Negative emotions are self-reinforcing.
At least, they can be.
Negative thoughts and feelings are a difficult topic, because everyone is susceptible to them to a different degree.
Like an avalanche, negative emotions start small and build up speed and strength over time.
The question with anger, guilt, and resentment is: “do I want to feel this way?” It's not about whether your feelings are justified.
Emotional states become more likely to happen in the future, the more time you spent with them in the past. And while anger can give you energy and confidence by emitting adrenaline, is that really what you want to rely on?
It's about how you want to feel.
Changing the way your mind works is hard and takes a long time. Acknowledging you want to learn and grow is only the first step. It's not done with a simple “mindset shift”. Although, some ideas have more impact on your habits than others.
Practicing mindfulness helps you see your thoughts and feelings earlier and let them go. This stops the negative cycle before it gets stronger.
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” — Eckhart Tolle
Reading Recommendations
Wanting More Time for Your Meaningful Work
“A member of my Fearless Training Program has a full-time business that she loves, but isn’t the meaningful work she’d like to do in the world. She struggles with finding enough time for that meaningful work. Can you relate to this? The rest of our life fills up all the space — […]”
“The first thing to note is that the craving is always ‘cue-induced.’ It is literally triggered by a sight or sound (a green light or a buzzer) that previously meant ‘Come and get it!’”
“Although occasionally you'll be given a task to complete which can be completed in no more than a few hours, most of your work is likely going to consist of features that will take multiple days or even weeks to complete. I've found that the longer a piece of work takes, the more likely I am to lose track of my progress, forget which part of the feature I was going to build next, or realise I've done work in the wrong order and have lost time because of it.”
Weekly Mindfulness Practice
Try mindful cooking.
The next time you cook, prepare everything you need before turning on the stove. Don't let it get hectic and savour every moment.
Keep your focus on the current step.
Cooking offers so much for our senses. Stay present and enjoy!
End Note
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Have a great week
Simon
PS: If you found an article you think others might like, and that fits this newsletter, I’d love it if you write me an email. Just reply!