A Life Hack That’s Transformed My Attitude
When I see the term “life hack,” I usually roll my eyes. I assume it’s clickbait; another potential gimmick. You may do the same thing. But since January, I’ve been practicing a habit that has quite literally transformed the way I think and feel every day.
I wanted to share it with you.
I tend to be a positive person by nature. I got my mother’s optimistic DNA. I miss her to this day. She was a very happy, fulfilled person all her life. I’ve noticed, however, that as I age, my brain tends to swing the other direction. I can be cynical or negative. I recently discovered the science behind this. Over a lifetime, our brains recognize that our energy levels decline. Instead of wasting calories, brains seek efficiency. Hence, we tend to become consumed with problems that must be solved. Subconsciously, we feel we don’t need to pay attention to the positives in our lives; those things are all fine. We feel we must pay attention to the negatives, the lingering problems that need to be solved. So, we spend many of our days ruminating on things that are problematic.
It can sour our attitudes.
Good Things Keep Happening to Me
Several months ago, I caught myself in this negative thought pattern. Why was I so fearful or consumed with problems? I hated the way it made me feel, and it stole any momentum I might have enjoyed that day. So, I took action—a simple positive step.
I grabbed my phone and opened up my “notes” app. I started a list called “Good Things Keep Happening to Me.” Instantly, I came up with a dozen elements that were very positive in my life and all true. It forced me to be mindful of the realities that lift my attitude. I jotted down:
I enjoy a healthy family that loves each other.
I am still living 25 years after the doctors predicted I’d be gone.
Pam and I enjoy a solid, satisfying marriage.
I have the best teammate and friend I’ve ever had at work in Melissa.
Publishers still want to publish the books that I write.
Our adult children have found kind, complementary partners.
The phone is still ringing with opportunities.
Over time, this list has gotten far longer. Funny thing, most of these realities had been happening for years, but I just hadn’t called attention to them. I was focusing on my problems. The moment I finish reading this list each morning, there is a skip in my step. My perspective is lifted, and I am ready to take on another day. I become a fountain, moving upward and outward, rather than a drain, which moves inward and downward.
If you need to recalibrate your mindset, I suggest you start your own list: “Good things keep happening to me.” Watch what it does to your momentum.
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