A New Perspective

"Our intention creates our reality." – Wayne Dyer

I decided to take the holiday week off from writing and posting, and that week turned into three. What is this phenomenon, why does this happen? Procrastination for me, is simply a coping mechanism. So, I dug deeper. Why was I putting off something I enjoy so much?

Procrastination is avoidance, and I excel at avoiding things that challenge me to step outside my comfort zone. As an introvert, if I don’t push myself to do hard things every day, I lose traction. There’s a balance between maintaining traction and honoring boundaries to keep my battery charged.

And then the fear, what if I don’t know what I am talking about or someone challenges me, there are too many subjects to write about, I feel pressure it has to be perfect.

So here I am, breaking the seal and stepping through fear, frustrated with myself because I had so many “gratefulness” and “self-evaluation” epiphanies over the last few weeks and didn’t share them. (I realized Friday mornings are less of a barrier to writing than Sunday mornings, and I had to figure out why)

When I get in these ruts, I find myself frozen, sometimes focusing on all the things I don’t have. What is that about? Focusing on everything that is not going well, on the struggles, the stressors and not all of the insanely great things? Why would I do that?

See things as they are but not worse than they are. Your problems are really just invitations to step through fear. Tony Robbins

It all boils down to perspective. Of yourself, of your world.

Dr. Margie Warrell, contributor at Forbes Magazine, puts it well… “So you’ve got problems – the tough economy, a difficult boss, your company’s culture, unsupportive family, too little resources/education/experience/finances (or lack thereof). Join the boat! It’s not your problems that keep you from creating what you want, it’s the story you tell yourself about them that provides you with an excuse to stay in your comfort zone.

You don’t see the world as it is, but as you are. Accordingly, the words you use to describe your present, past, or future creates the reality you inhabit. If you cast yourself as a helpless victim, you’ll be just that. If you cast yourself as the master of your fate, you’ll be that too. You can’t change your history, but you can rewrite your story of it and in so doing, expand the possibilities for your future.”

To quote Tony, The past does not equal the future. Unless you live there.

We’ve talked about re-writing your story, changing your perspective and viewing the world as you want to see it. But did you know, there is scientific research showing the brain’s perspective actually affects our physiology? Yes, how you think has a direct impact on how your body functions.

How you think, matters. And your body responds.

For example, when your brain views a situation as a threat, notice your blood pressure rise, your heart rate increase, your palms become sweaty. Your body is preparing you for “fight or flight” amiright?

But what happens when your brain triggers your body to react, and there is no real threat? Similar to our reactions throughout the day, anticipating or making assumptions about a situation? Our body is reacting to our brain’s perception of reality.

You can imagine how other seemingly “harmless” thoughts and reactions could affect you physically as well! Negative self-talk or beliefs about oneself manifest into physical responses from the body, whether you are aware or not! Constantly telling yourself you are not enough, you can’t do something, or you’re a certain type of person?

Your body will react and respond to these beliefs whether they are bullshit or not. Can you imagine how your body would respond if you re-framed your thoughts in a positive light? The sky is the limit!

Perspective matters and shapes your world, inside and out. Step through the fear and procrastination, and be the person you want to be! How do you do that? You have to believe. Fake it, mimic someone you admire. It’s true, you are still being you, but you are “practicing” what you want to become. Fake it long enough, and it begins to shape who you are.

I will leave you with a favorite exercise I’ve shared with you before, I wish I remember where I first read it. When you’re feeling grumpy and catch yourself struggling, force a smile. No really, force yourself to smile and keep smiling. There is no way this won’t begin to change your mindset. It sounds silly and simple, and it works.

I know everyone reading this is smiling now! Glad I could make a difference (: