The concept that you can change your life by changing your thoughts is a popular theme in both self-help books and psychological literature. The most interesting thing I recently learned was to Acknowledge and Accept negative thoughts.
Why? Because those thoughts want to teach us something. Wow, how is it even possible that negative thoughts can be the KEY to the solution?
Of course you have to take the time to examine these thoughts. And here comes the difficult part…..we are always busy as a leader, am I right?
Various authors give us tips about changing our thoughts to change our life. From meditation to prayer; from letting go to affirmations; and from self-discipline to mental determination and replacing the thoughts by positive thoughts.
Nothing wrong with all these great advices, just find practices that suits you as a person and a leader.
Here are my tips:
Even for busy leaders it is possible to make time. Yes, you can! For instance start your day, early in the morning, by just sitting with closed eyes. You don’t have to do anything else. Answers and positive thoughts will come, how remarkable!
When overwhelmed by negative thoughts, even in a work situation, just breathe. It helps to count your breaths. By counting your breaths you will experience a calm mind, how wonderful!
Sometimes it helps that you stand up, stretch yourself and walk around. And when you have a little more time…..go for a walk. Within 5 minutes your creative brain is activated. Problems disappear and solutions pop up into your mind. I think this is mind-blowing!
So to change your thoughts, here are 3 things that are easy to implement and cost nothing:
Acknowledge and name the thoughts without judgment
Make time for a paradigm shift
Take a (short) break and breathe
And last but not least, when stuck in negative thoughts – seek support: talk to a friend, family member, therapist or a coach to share your thoughts and feelings.
I wish you many positive thoughts and the wisdom to make time …also for yourself.
Francis Eijsackers MBA is a guest writer. She is an entrepreneur pur sang and likes to network and connect with people all over the world. She is the CEO of Francis4YourPractice, an organisation- and consultancy agency for healthcare.
Francis4YourPractice provides essential support to organisations in the healthcare sector, specialising in interim management, people management, and practice organisation. With a mission to work purposefully, results-oriented, loyal, and passionately towards optimising your organisation, Francis4YourPractice strives to bring out the best in you and your team.
Many years of experience in managing over 700 people (275 FTE) ensures that no question about managing people is too crazy for her. Francis is a good discussion partner for questions about leadership, integrity and mental health for leaders.
An important motto of Francis; never stop learning and practice lifelong development.
For more information visit: www.francis4yourpractice.nl
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