Changing Emotional Bad Habits
As the saying goes, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” ~ Henry Ford.
It all starts with the mind. Our choices, decisions, behaviors, and most importantly, our habits originate from there. As author Sean Covey points out, we ultimately become what we repeatedly do. If negative thoughts dominate our mind, negativity will become amplified in our lives. Similarly, if we constantly dwell on worries, we risk missing out on precious moments. However, I strongly believe in the transformative power of intentionality and deliberate action. That's the focus of this week's reading.
Today is the day to recognize and address areas in your emotional makeup that require attention and improvement.
Let's take a look at history.
Our upbringing plays a significant role in shaping our emotional habits, both positive and negative. The interactions and atmosphere within our family during childhood have a profound impact on our emotional tendencies. For instance, being raised in a household where emotions were stifled or avoided may result in challenges expressing or handling emotions in adulthood. On the other hand, growing up in an environment where emotions were acknowledged and supported can foster healthier emotional ethic.
On a personal level, I internalized a significant amount of emotional tension and stress. My upbringing in challenging circumstances compelled me to adopt a somewhat stoic and reserved demeanor. The absence of an actively involved father deprived me of witnessing how a man openly expressed his emotions. Associating crying with femininity led me to self-impose suppression even in moments of sorrow, contributing to the development of a habitual emotional suppression. When I assumed a leadership role involving interactions with people, the need for empathy and compassion posed a challenge for me.
Recognizing the necessity for change became imperative for my personal growth and improvement.
What about you?
Do you struggle with any harmful emotional patterns you've adopted from your upbringing? Think about them and work to identify some turning points.
Stop Predicting the Worst.
One of the most prevalent emotional challenges I've encountered is a tendency to anticipate the worst outcomes. In industries focused on safety and health, addressing this habit is crucial. Globally, professionals in safety and business leadership often analyze data using predictive analytics. It's essential to reflect on how this aspect of our work affects our emotions. While proactive planning is important, we must avoid becoming overly cynical. In today's dynamic economic landscape, maintaining optimism, especially among leaders, is paramount.
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In some situations, you might find yourself in a job that you dislike or surrounded by individuals who feel threatened by your drive and ambition. These circumstances can create tension in the workplace throughout the week. It's crucial to prioritize your mental well-being and consciously seek out positive aspects of your work environment. It's difficult, but the challenge is worth the effort!
The Great Reset
A beneficial strategy for resetting is to prioritize getting more sleep. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, both the quality and quantity of sleep significantly influence our reactions to events, thereby impacting our overall well-being. Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating our emotions. Despite common assumptions, you might not necessarily require an afternoon cup of coffee; improving your sleep habits could lead to reduced work frustrations and a more balanced day.
Consider how you kickstart your mornings. Do you rely on coffee and sugary donuts to fuel your day? What about your snack choices throughout the day? Research suggests that reducing sugar intake during the day can contribute to healthier sleep patterns at night. If you desire to change emotional bad habits, these points must be considered. What we consume and how we rest are vital topics for personal development.
Conclusion
In the upcoming week, dedicate yourself to resetting certain emotional patterns. Set a goal to eliminate unnecessary worry by consciously evaluating your reactions to events. Put a halt to overthinking and prevent trivial matters from dictating your day. Embrace new habits that involve actively seeking the positive and intentionally fostering optimistic thoughts. Consider reducing sugar in your daily routine. Lastly, make a deliberate effort to improve your sleep quality – disconnect from social media before bedtime, and wake up ready to conquer the world!
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