May 4, 2010

Stop Doing That and Start Doing This   "How would my life be different if I stop doing that?" "How will I benefit if I stop doing that?" "If I stop doing that, then ..."   What is ONE thing you are doing that is NOT working well for you?   That one thing could be: listening to your critical voice way too often, smoking, not exercising, blaming others for not having what you want in life, making excuses for the same, being a victim, wasting time on the computer, racking up credit card debt, gaining weight, or being constantly pessimistic. Make your list.   Then follow through and stop doing that!  Make a conscious effort to become aware of when it is happening (make the light bulb go off) and then stop yourself from taking that action.  Start small if you must and tackle one thing, and then work yourself up to your more dangerous one things.    You can do it!   Then, once you do, ask yourself these questions:   "How would my life be different if I start doing this?" "How will I benefit if I start doing this?" "If I start doing this, then ..."   This one thing could be: exercising, eliminating soda from your diet, taking complete responsibility for your actions, setting a goal and taking the action steps to make that goal happen, freezing your credit card and paying down your debt,  being more forgiving, counting your blessings, or visualizing that which you want.  Again, make your list.   Then follow through and start doing this!    No matter how you ask the questions above, the answers can change your life.  So, what are you waiting for?   Stop doing that and start doing this!         "The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you."             Tom Bradley   "Take a look at your natural river.  What are you?  Stop playing games with yourself.  Where's your river going?  Are you riding with it?  Or are you rowing against it?  Don't you see that there is no effort if you're riding with your river?"             Frederick (Carl) Frieseke   "You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down."             Mary Pickford   "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."             Dolly Parton     Everyone has habits, whether they are in deed or thought which can cripple your way forward or enhance your success in life.  That's why "If I stop doing that and start doing this ...?" is such a powerful question.  It starts with introspection, honesty, and acknowledgement, and ends with actualization, success, and fulfillment.  In the middle is found action, responsibility, and commitment.  The commitment to have more of what you want in life.   Have a fantastic week and join me in stopping doing that and starting to do this.   Stephanie     We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com