Читать книгу I'm Positive! - Michelle Robinson - Страница 3

Each of the following statements is a ‘red flag’ to alert you to sabotaging or unhelpful thoughts. Reflect on whether any of these, or similar thoughts and feelings, influence your life.

Relationship with Myself

 I expect to fail at something before I begin.

 I dislike looking in the mirror.

 I have a critical voice in my head that keeps sabotaging me.

 I feel depressed, anxious, unable to get motivated.

 I have little self-confidence and self-worth.

 I feel guilty and blame myself for things that have happened.

 I feel lost and don’t know how to feel happy.

Relationships with Others

 I am still very angry at one or more people from my past.

 I am self-conscious and embarrassed in social and work settings.

 I doubt whether my family/friends/partner really like or love me. Maybe they are just being polite/feel sorry for me.

 I give more to others than I receive. I often feel hurt and let down.

 I can’t forgive myself for relationships that have failed.

 I find it hard to trust people and make new friends.

Repeated Patterns

 I can’t believe how I keep making the same mistakes.

 I sabotage myself. I quit even when I want to do something.

 I befriend people who seem to need my help and I always end up hurt.

 I keep losing money/assets/relationships because of poor decisions or behaviour.

 I sometimes put myself in harm’s way and regret it later.

 I sabotage my relationships but can’t seem to change.

 I sacrifice my well-being for others and then I feel resentful.

 I have an addiction or a habit I struggle to control.

 I stuff my feelings down. I can’t express what matters to me.

You will notice that none of the statements above expand your confidence or personal growth. The opposite is true.

Our decisions are generally based on what we are thinking and feeling, and what we think and feel forms our beliefs.

Here is an example.

If I think that I am capable of performing a higher role at work and feel confident in my abilities, then I believe success is possible. I also believe I am worthy of a promotion. I will take the steps required to apply for the role I desire.

If I tell myself that I am slow to learn new skills and feel like everyone else is smarter than I am, then I believe failure is likely. I am unwilling to apply for roles that might make me happier and believe I am destined to stay stuck in the same job.

Our thoughts, feelings and beliefs interact below the level of our awareness to drive our decisions and habits. Just as unhelpful neural pathways are formed through repetitive thoughts, feelings and behaviours, our positive responses have been formed in the same way. Hence, choosing positivity is the gift we could wisely offer our self.

This requires training and time, yet the results are worth it.