It’s interesting how we can have incredible ideas, intentions and goals and then get totally stuck when we try to implement them. The likely culprit is that we start over thinking and fall into a pattern of negative thoughts. Excitement and planning can quickly shift to reasons we shouldn’t move forward or can’t make things happen, especially if fear has a say.
And then, we find ourselves stuck in indecision and losing motivation as self-doubt and inertia set in. Our lives stay the same and our dreams fade into the distance.
But, wait! There is a quick and easy way to shift this pattern and make things happen. Here’s how it goes:
Step 1: Interrupt your negative thoughts by counting down 5-4-3-2-1.
Counting backwards requires your brain to re-focus and shift gears, resulting in the negative thoughts being left behind. This pattern of numbers also sets up a feeling of getting ready for something to happen.
Step 2: Launch yourself into immediate action.
Quick, decisive movement prevents your brain from having time to return to negative thinking. Taking action also changes your physiology, which will impact how you feel and create positive momentum.
The opportunities and benefits of using this method are endless. You can use it for little daily moments or to change your entire life. It’s also an excellent way to stay on target when creating new habits or working toward goals.
Procrastinating? 5-4-3-2-1 Launch into action!
Debating a positive scary next step? 5-4-3-2-1 Launch past the fear!
Too much TV, Facebook, or inertia? Launch into something more meaningful!
Considering cheating on a positive habit? Launch back into it!
Wanting a clutter free home? – 5-4-3-2-1 Launch into clearing one small area!
Hitting the snooze button too often? 5-4-3-2-1 Launch out of bed!
Losing site of your dreams and goals? Launch them!
Whenever there is something you know you should do, count down and launch it.
Over time these small actions will make big changes in your life and how you feel. Side stepping your brains attempts to keep you stuck will move you forward, bring confidence, and nurture a sense of pride in what you have accomplished.
And that, is a good thing.
Related Posts:
The Snowball Effect – Creating Positive Momentum Toward Your Goals
Watch Your Language – Your Words are Hypnotizing You
What a great technique.negative thoughts I think get to everyone at some point and I didn’t realise how damaging they can be or how easily they can be overpowered by techniques like this. It really does make a difference , thank you for sharing and reminding me if i get these again i will be sure to be counting and launching
Thanks for the great tip. Just what I need.
Lily
Glad to help!
Your post was a good read for me this morning! I’m building a blog and this morning, I’ve been feeling paralyzed by the enormity of what I still need to learn! I admit that part of that paralysis is showing up as ‘wasting time on social media’. At least this morning, I’ve read something worthwhile (your post) that I can use to spur me on. Thanks Linda.
Debrah: Don’t let fear stop you. I’m so excited about your blog and know it will be meaningful to people out in internet land. I would love to check it out when it’s ready.
This is a really powerful technique that really does make a difference, I’ve done it with some super scary things I have to do, I need to remember to apply it to the less dramatic but equally obstructive procrastination triggers as well. When we push ourselves to do the things we have to do but don’t want to, it can feel so good afterwards, and take a lot of stress off!
All of the little things we do add up to be big things in the end. And, this is really easy to do with little things.
Brilliant! “Excitement and planning can quickly shift to reasons we shouldn’t move forward or can’t make things happen, especially if fear has a say. And then, we find ourselves stuck in indecision and losing motivation as self-doubt and inertia set in.” That is exactly what is happening to me as I try to create something for a giveaway I plan to participate in. Thx for the great tip!
You are going to create something great! Just launch it!
Great tips. I needed to hear this on this very “unmotivated” day!
I wrote this post because I was having several unmotivated days in a row. It’s a human thing, I think. So, be gentle with yourself and then launch into what you want to do!
What a great idea. I will give it a try. Thanks for the idea!
You are most welcome.
Such simple yet effective techniques! Excellent! Ever since I’ve “discovered” how beneficial action is (no matter its level of perfection), I’ve also become a huge fan of doing instead of (over)thinking. This is especially meaningful when faced with negative thoughts. Anyone should escape their toxic influence as soon as they can. Thank you for sharing this post!
You are welcome. It looks like we think alike and hopefully the post will help more people be aware of the possibilities.