Practice Makes Perfect

Practice makes perfect so… be careful what you practice.

Great words to live by, but easier said than done. These words are an important reminder for anyone looking to lead a positive life.  For example, as a mom, I have noticed there are some things my kids are really good at. And I try to implement the power of positive thinking during their daily rituals. Like when they leave fingerprints all over every wall and door way. The positive spin is that they are decorating the home with their beauty. Or I implement positive thinking when they leave crumbs and food in the most random places of the house. (Like jolly ranchers on windowsills) I like to uplift myself that they are so kind to animals and feel the need to feed stray ants and spiders.

This brings me to a favorite book, “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. It’s a nice reminder of what we are capable of. I didn’t say it was easy but it is possible. Its message is that we create our lives with every thought we make. I feel this way of thinking is the core of any wellness program. It sets the stage for a positive vibe and creates a strong rebound of energy. Our thoughts become our words. Our words become our actions. Our actions reflect who we are. What are your thoughts saying about you?

Do you know what your thoughts are? Research shows an average person has a range of 12,000 to 70,000 thoughts a day! That’s a lot of messages being cast into the Universe. How many times did you think of somebody and then they messaged you or you bumped into them? “The Secret” describes it like a boomerang. You put it out there and it comes back to you as well as putting you on a frequency similar to AM/FM radio. So, there’s not really a “chance meeting” when you bump into that old friend or an option to “be in the wrong place at the wrong time” when you have that black cloud following you. You are setting the stage with your thoughts so make them advantageous.

Practice makes perfect and being careful what you practice can start with your thoughts. YOU control them and YOU know what you need. It’s what you need rather than what you do not need. When your thoughts contain a negative word or describe what you do not want, this is where practice makes perfect. My thought "I do not want to have a bad day" becomes "I will have a good day." Or,  "I can't do this" should actually be phrased "I will try my best." That is specific and positive. It describes what you want and will do rather than what you do not want.

It is also a powerful tool with sports. See the ball. Be the ball. Sound familiar? If you build it they will come? If you dream it, you can achieve it. That is yet another notable quote describing the power of positive thinking. Sports psychology revolves around positive thinking. Michael Jordan didn’t make his High School basketball team. Did he give up? No and thank goodness. He is quoted saying "My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength." That is very powerful as well as positive.

So what can you do to increase your quality of life? My suggestion: Start with your thoughts.