“What is the simplest tool to change your entire life in an instant?”

There is an epidemic with people hating their work and tolerating their lives. People not only hate their work, they despise it. They have physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. They live for Friday and dread Sunday evening. This causes people to find escapism anywhere they can. To add to their stress they have to lead lives by carrying on with mundane tasks. Grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, maintaining. And then they sleep and wake up to the same old pattern and routine praying and hoping to win the lottery when the majority of people don’t even play! They envy those that love their work, as if loving what you do is equivalent to winning the lottery.

So the real question is are we helpless to overcome these circumstances?

No.

We were just never given the tools to affect change.

But how much of what you do is about following the status quo? My guess is, “a lot” or else you would be living your dream life.

The are a multitude of topics I can go into about how to change this, but on the most fundamental level what really drives people insane in their lives is their thoughts. We want money, we want freedom, we want romance, but when we get any one of those things — tax returns during tax season, a vacation, a new romantic partner, we still find reasons to complain and be unhappy.

So achieving and acquiring these things are not the answer then. That much is evident despite what the majority of us think. Because the same thoughts that make you stressed, frustrated, angry, annoyed, disappointed, unfulfilled will still be there once you get money, free-time, and companionship. Ask every drug addict celebrity.

So what is the critical factor that makes the difference?
The difference is people who lead their lives in the direction they want versus those that have lives lead by their circumstances.

The answer to how to effect a positive change in our lives then becomes what we choose to focus on and how we choose to interpret our experiences.

For example:

A car cuts someone off and doesn’t use their turn signal. One person might react with road rage and extreme stress. But does it end there? Probably not. They vent and tell their friends and family and co-workers about it and relieve that moment is vivid detail about 20 more times until they find something new to gossip, complain, and vent about.

Another person may have the same experience but instead of jumping to anger they feel grateful that nothing happened. Despite their shock they’re choosing to focus on the fact that the worst case scenario didn’t come to pass and they choose to look at the amazing “luck” that they had in avoiding it. They let it go and go on with their lives.

Our thoughts shape our perspectives and our perspectives shape our experiences and our experiences are what shape us. The question then becomes are you shaped by negativity or positivity?

If its positive, then keep it up and find other ways to achieve an ever increasing quality of life.

If its negative, the solution for anyone looking for it is to be extremely conscious of our thoughts and to make a commitment to never let a negative thought go unnoticed in the mind. Simply being aware of our thoughts can make a world of difference in affecting change.

If you’re going to work and thinking about how much you don’t want to go to work, you stop living in the moment. You’re thinking about what you don’t want and feeling helpless. You’re now thinking about thinking and spiraling out of control.

Ask yourself simple questions to direct your thoughts in a more positive direction.

Ask things like, “What can I appreciate right now?” The fact that I have a job, the fact that the morning sunrise is creating a beautiful work of art in the background, the fact that you can enjoy your coffee.

By asking this seemingly insignificant questions we’re directing our thought process, changing our perspectives, and creating a new experience all at the same time.

If there is something you’re struggling with in your own life and want tools and advice to change it, comment and let me know and I’ll feature an article specifically for you!

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With Love,
Christopher Isaac