| No. | | | | Resolve to stop every time you do something - or |
| Won't work. | | | | don't do something - without thinking. And then do it |
| Never happen. | | | | differently. |
| Can't be done. | | | | Yes...EVERY time. |
| Bad idea. | | | | Usually wash yourself with your right hand? Try your |
| Too radical. | | | | left. |
| Irresponsible. | | | | Follow the same route to work? Take a detour. |
| Stupid. | | | | Grab a cup of coffee first thing out of bed? Go |
| How many of us - even the positive, happy and | | | | outside and check out the weather instead. |
| upbeat among us - let this negative self-talk run our | | | | The change doesn't have to be monumental. It just |
| own lives? | | | | has to be different. |
| Most of our negative "programs" work | | | | Do it for a day or a week or a month until you |
| subconsciously, affecting our outlook on work and | | | | consciously recognize most of the habits and |
| life. | | | | patterns you follow. |
| With attention and deliberation, however, we can | | | | Instead of just going through the motions, you'll |
| "reprogram" ourselves with productive self-talk. | | | | actually be living your life. |
| As with most worthwhile things in life, this is simple - | | | | And you will open the door to a greater awareness |
| but not always easy. Fortunately, once we break into | | | | of your basic programming. |
| that level of awareness, we're better able to | | | | Look again at the list at the beginning of this column. |
| recognize those programs and work with them. | | | | Every time you find yourself automatically making a |
| Many of these programs were installed when we | | | | decision based on one (or more) of those words and |
| were kids. The chubby girl sees herself as a fat adult, | | | | phrases, stop! Check the programming. |
| for example. The shy boy doesn't realize he's grown | | | | What drives that decision? Who installed the basic |
| into an outgoing, friendly guy. | | | | program and why? What purpose does it serve? |
| Bad relationships - with a significant other, boss or | | | | Most importantly, how is it working for you today? |
| co-worker - as adults also have an impact on us. The | | | | Once you discover the accuracy and value of the |
| abused woman comes to believe she deserves it. | | | | programming, it's up to you to decide what you want |
| The ridiculed employee loses faith in his own | | | | to do about it. |
| judgment. | | | | Maybe the program is appropriate, like the one that |
| If you can recognize your unhealthy reactions but | | | | makes you to stop at a red light to avoid getting in a |
| can't get past them, consult a mental health | | | | car accident. |
| professional. And keep looking until you find a good | | | | But maybe - just maybe - it's a program that no |
| fit. | | | | longer works efficiently and simply slows down your |
| If you want to change and can move forward, all it | | | | life. |
| takes is effort. | | | | It's up to you if you want to change it. And a coach |
| First, you need to sensitize yourself to what your | | | | can help you get there. |
| subconscious is telling you. | | | | |