By Lauren Denos
It is so dang easy to see all the things going wrong, especially since we are always moving the goalpost on what a perfect life would look like. Since we are always moving the post on this mythical perfection, we can never even get close.
What if instead of looking at what is wrong, we focus on what is RIGHT? Okay, what I mean by this….
Let’s say you have arthritis, so moving around hurts, yeah, this sucks, but you can still get around, you can still use your mind. So can you focus on all the positive activities you CAN do?
Maybe you are renting a shitty apartment and want your own house, okay, but you do have a place to live. Can you focus on all the good elements of the place you are?
I am looking at this for my own life, I am what some would call ambitious. I am never done, I can always do more. Yes, it is true that there is always more to do and work on, but it can easily lead to a place of focusing on what I do not have yet vs. focusing on being grateful for what I do have.
I think the trick is to balance on that fine line between being grateful for what we have while still wanting to keep moving in a direction to be the best version of ourselves. I think the wanting to move forward in life and have desires is what makes life worth living, but to enjoy what we do have at the same time will make the process towards accomplishing our goals way more enjoyable!
Action step: Daily list at least 5 things that are amazing about your current life!
Focusing on what is going right can be a powerful way to cultivate gratitude, positivity, and motivation. Here are some tips on how to do it:
Practice gratitude: Make a habit of focusing on the things in your life that you are grateful for. This can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to write down a list of things you appreciate.
Reframe your perspective: Instead of focusing on what is going wrong, try to reframe your perspective to focus on what is going right. For example, if you are facing a difficult situation at work, focus on the progress you have made rather than the challenges you are still facing.
Celebrate small wins: Take time to celebrate even the smallest successes in your life. This can help you build momentum and stay motivated.
Surround yourself with positivity: Surround yourself with positive people, and expose yourself to positive media, such as uplifting books, movies, and music.
Practice mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to help you stay focused on the present moment and cultivate a positive mindset.
Remember, focusing on what is going right is a skill that takes practice, so be patient with yourself and keep at it