Look at Your Habits

Do you ever listen to your inner voice?

Do you have a pattern of destructive thoughts towards yourself and others, or is it more of an encouraging internal dialogue?

Let's look at both the critical inner voice and the supportive one. Whether we tend to be more critical or more supportive, the patterns of our thoughts are reflected in our words, actions, and habits. 

Each area in your life could have different thought patterns. For example, you could excel at your job. You have years of experience and are confident with all your responsibilities. But, maybe you are not satisfied with your health and wellness. Maybe you put off going for a walk thinking you'll 'do it tomorrow.' 

Some people have never thought to listen to their internal dialogue. The good news is that through self-awareness, you can figure out what your inner voice is saying and how to change the way you talk to yourself. 

Have you ever reflected on why you didn't take that walk today (or anything else that you're wanting to do but keep putting off)? If you want to walk every day but are not in the habit of doing it, what are you telling yourself about it? What is the destructive thought pattern preventing you from going for that walk? Some things we may tell ourselves are: "I'm lazy, I don't want to change, I'm afraid of change, I'm afraid of success, I'm too tired, It's too much work, or I don't deserve to be healthy"

Alternatively, if you are satisfied with your job (or any other area of your life that you feel successful in) it's because you've created great habits through conscious actions that you developed from your thoughts. Your thoughts could have been focused on putting your best foot forward, making money, providing for your family, or wanting to succeed. 

When we look at our habits, we can identify the actions we take every day and how that is reflected in our overall satisfaction in that area of our life.

 If you're not doing what you want to be doing in your day-to-day life, it's time to break it down and reframe destructive thought patterns. Let's go back to the walking example: If you want to walk daily but are not in the habit of it, reframe your thought pattern to think about the things you see on the walk, the fresh air you'll breathe on the walk, and the accomplished feeling you'll have after the walk. Reframing is as simple as telling yourself these good thoughts or even saying them out loud. 

Think about the good around you. Practice gratitude for the things and people in your life. Appreciate and value yourself and all you have to offer the world.

Click here to read my blog about how our outlook defines our life