Thought For Today - January
 

How to make your resolutions last

Instead of changing many different things at once, make a small change and when you’re comfortable with that change, move on to the next small change. Notice small improvements & bask in your inner appreciation. Your confidence will increase. If there’s one or two slip ups, cut yourself some slack. Stay positive and get back on track. Also, have resolutions reminders. Then you’ll be less likely to stray from them!

Your Life’s Work

Do you work in order to live, or live in order to work? Isn’t there more to life than work? What about your passion in life? Have you given it a high priority and made the time to follow your passion? Make sure you do! If you don’t take action now - then when?

PLUG – IN

With this one thought - I am being of peace, the mind will unplug itself from external negative sockets and plug into the inner self. I am Peace.

Stop being a Projector

Just as a projector enlarges everything, in the same way, we too can blow things out of proportion and throw it out there as a reaction. So, stop the projection. Remind yourself that nothing is really as big as it seems. Put things into perspective. And nip the “little things” in the bud before they become big.

Balance

Maintain the balance of responding to situations with a cool head and to people with a warm heart.

A 'THIS WORKS' LIST

Happy New Year! To help you keep your resolution, make a 'This Works' list. A list of strategies you know work for you, things that will support your resolution.

For example, if your resolution is to get healthier, your 'This Works' list may include:
- a 10 minute walk or exercise at lunch time
- drinking water instead of a sugary drink
- replacing unhealthy snacks with healthier alternatives

And like a toolkit, keep your 'This Works' list with you. Then, whenever you're struggling to keep your resolution, you can use one of the strategies from your list.

SMALL THINGS MATTER

Often we use our voice for big issues, but what about the small things? Do you speak up about the small issues?

Well, small things do matter, so do speak up. Otherwise it tends to build up into bigger issues!

Just remember to choose when to speak up and how, otherwise you'll come across as confrontational or a complainer!

Whole Hearted Smile

Smile. A smile from the heart is the best accessory you can wear.

So if you're not smiling from the heart - why not? What's stopping your heart reaching your face?

Add that warm, wholehearted smile to your appearance and it will make you feel good, look good, and do good!

THINK LIKE PLASTICINE

"I can't do this." "I shouldn't have." Get stuck in self critical and cynical thinking, and it's easy to 'harden and dry up.'

Instead, think like plasticine! Make your thinking flexible. Then you can remould your thoughts into optimism and self encouragement.

CURB APPROVAL SEEKING

There's no doubt that we enjoy people's approval; it does motivate us. But seeking out approval, a little too often is not healthy! Especially when our sense of self-worth is dependent on others' approval.

To curb the need for approval:
1) Understand that it's not anyone else's job to give you approval. It's your job!
2) Give yourself the approval that you seek.

Embrace All Ideas

When ideas are presented to you, do you reject them just because you’re uncomfortable with them? Why not, try being open to new ideas and see how they work. The result just may be amazing.

Find Your Inner Tortoise

What a speedy world! It’s exhilarating, but whenever things are getting on top of you, stop what you’re doing. Like a tortoise, withdraw into your shell, centre yourself and experience your natural pace. Refresh yourself and then get back into the day.

Emotions in the Workplace

From frustration to frenzy, tears to tantrums, our emotions impact our performance & reputation at work. Identify which emotions are appropriate in the workplace, & when it's OK to express & when to rein it in. Get better at regulating your emotions & you'll handle situations more professionally. Then your emotions will range from cheerful to creative, energetic to empathetic!

Sitting Still

Very few of us can sit still. Sit, yes. Still, not so easy. Still, sit for a few minutes every day or even once in a while.

Let all the restlessness and discomfort dissolve, and become quiet in such a way, that there's no need to flex your fingers, tap your feet, straighten your back, or adjust your neck and shoulders.

As you become absolutely still, your mind will quieten and ease into stillness.

Proud Like a Peacock

We all have talents & skills, & when we use them they're like a peacock's feathers on full display. Be proud, but watch out for confidence turning into arrogance. Otherwise we end up being like a showy peacock. So celebrate your talents & skills but keep yourself grounded by remembering that just like a peacock's ugly feet, there's always something about ourselves that we can improve!