Portland Boot Camp Magic Mindset Secret…

Yesterday in Portland Boot Camp, I asked everyone to announce one  positive thing in their lives.

Why did I do this? Let me explain.

Once upon a time I was an unhappy person. I woke up grumpy.  I pushed people away with my pessimism.  I went to bed dissatisfied.

But then about 5 years ago, I decided to put a technique I discovered to the test.

I had read about directing thoughts to what is good, positive and useful in my life…and ignoring the rest.

Now, this ran contrary to my way of thinking.  But since I was very unhappy, I figured I had nothing to lose.  So I figured I’d give a whole month.

Here’s what I did: I decided to discipline my thoughts and restrict what I allowed myself dwell upon.

I focused on 3 areas.  The past, the present, and the future.

Here’s how it worked.

1. If thoughts of the past came up, I only let my mind focus on good memories. Memories of childhood, successes, triumphs, inspirational moments.  To make this easier, I made a huge list (5 pages of small writing) of all my good memories and accomplishments.  When a negative thought about the past popped up, I referred to my list and instantly switched to a positive memory.
2. When thinking about my daily life, in the present, I forced my mind to focus on positive aspects of my life for which I felt gratitude. My wife, my work, my health, my car, my family, my music, opportunities I had embraced… you name it.  And yes, I made a huge list of aspects of my life for which I was grateful, and read this aloud to myself every morning.
3. When I drifted to thoughts of the future, I imagined what I wanted it to be…focusing on worthy goals and relationships. Picturing them exactly as I would have them — swatting down any negative thoughts that buzzed in with no more compunction than swatting a mosquito on my neck.

Now, I have to tell you, when I first started this I felt it wouldn’t work.  I believed it to be too easy.  After all I had spent YEARS habitually thinking in the opposite direction; lamenting over failures and humiliations, ending each day upset with how it had gone, and thinking how horrible the future would probably be.

But a funny thing happened…and I’m sure you can guess…

I began to awake feeling positive.  My days began to flow with blessings and happiness like magic.  New opportunities come to me daily in unimaginably fantastic ways.  People, places, things, quotes, books, videos, phone calls, statements, boot camp classes… all these things, each carrying positive emotions, messages and opportunities flooded my daily existence.

• Put it to the test yourself for one month.
• Make your lists and resolve to practice this magical technique for 30 days.
• Please comment on this and tell me how you do.  It very well could change your life as it has changed mine.

What have you got to lose?  As William James put it, “We might have to give up our philosophy of evil, but what is that in comparison with gaining a life of goodness?”

Cheers,

Daniel

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