Day 4 - Unlocking Secrets To Better Decisions Stop & Think Challenge

How did Day 3 of the STOP & THINK Challenge go for you?

Today's challenge is to make sure your drive or ambition are not taking you to a place you wouldn't want to go.

Life - live it to the full! Let's do our part to make this world a better place by taking a positive approach to life.

So many people are in the habit of looking for reasons to complain. If whining seems to be the favorite pass time for you and your co-workers, or friends, I'm afraid you're precious time is being wasted.

Sometimes it's not even the people around us filling our heads with negative thoughts. We are bringing it on ourselves.

I like what Ellen Miller has to say about this topic:

"We don't have to be diagnosed with schizophrenia to know that we deal with a barrage of nasty voices. Things we literally make up, conclusions we jump to, and fantasy 'showdowns' with the person who harmed us; the venting that happens over and over - but only in our head. Spending time dwelling on hurts, wrongs, and misfortunes is a waste of time. How many hours each week do we squander, pondering how we've been wronged and should defend our honor? Consider the outcome if we took that same amount of time and did something useful with it. Like maybe read a book; call someone who makes us laugh; listen to upbeat music; or better yet - pray. Imagine the positive energy we would gain by putting a stop to our negative thinking."

I have found that when I focus in on something or someone who has wronged me, my enthusiasm is drained, and my spunk is zapped right out of me. How about you?

There's a better way!

When I replace my pouting with positive observations, I am joyful, I am at peace, and I'm pretty sure, I am a whole lot more fun to be around.

If I take a few minutes to stop & think about the many blessings in my life, there is no brain space left for a pity party.

It's not always easy to stop & think, but the effort is definitely worth the try.

Choosing positive over negative will always be the better way. I encourage you, and challenge you to try it for yourself.

If you feel the urge to get involved in negative talk with others, may I recommend that you simply walk away? You'll be amazed what this one simple action step can do to put your thoughts and overall outlook in a better place.

As you go through this day - stop & think & pray about what triggers your immediate actions.

Is it time for a values check? Is your drive or ambition taking you to a place you wouldn't want to go?

You're off to a good start - final challenge, coming tomorrow!

Thought for the day - "I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet."

- Mahatma Gandhi

Have A Great Day!