It’s nearing the end of January already and many New Year’s resolutions have either not yet been started, or they’ve been abandoned. Back in my pessimistic days I’d find myself irritated by those who succeeded with their goals, when I didn’t. Then I’d often come up with reasons (excuses) why it wasn’t the right time, or what got in the way.
It surprises people when they find out, I wasn’t a natural optimist. Growing up, it would bug me every time my Mom would say “can’t you get that chip off your shoulder?” It would just infuriate me.
When I began to realize that life seemed easier for happy optimistic people, I wondered if I could become one, but I felt conflicted because I didn’t like happy optimistic people, yet at the same time I wished I was one.
Now, decades later, I’ve come to see that changing my thought patterns, my mind, and my attitude were some of the hardest changes I’ve ever made. I’ve made countless changes, and there are still more ahead I’m sure, but those intangible changes like “change your thoughts,” those were the hardest!
When we want to change something outside of our head, where we can see tangible results, it’s easier than trying to change the intangible such as our habitual thoughts.
Here’s my secret Kaizen recipe for making lasting changes:
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