"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D.

Our goals and intentions are filtered through our beliefs and then become our thoughts. An intention is anything from "I want to create a new business," to "I will spend more time with my family this year." When our goals and intentions are filtered through our beliefs they either become self-empowering thoughts or self-limiting thoughts. But what do I mean by beliefs? According to the Webster's Dictionary, a belief is a mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, actuality, or validity of something. Many of our beliefs are held at the subconscious level of the mind. These beliefs are impervious to the facts, reason, willpower, or motivation. This is why positive thinking and self-realization may not create the desired change. By learning how to listen to your thoughts, you can begin to "re-program" your thinking to create self-enhancing thoughts.

Here are two simple tools you can use to create positive thought patterns:

1. Use the "cancel, cancel" technique. When you have a negative thought whether it is aimed at yourself or even another driver on the road who has just cut you off, you say "cancel, cancel," to yourself and follow that thought up with a positive thought. This can feel weird at first but this interrupts the negative thought pattern and starts to build new pathways to more self enhancing thoughts.

2. Practice meditation. Meditation is simply setting time aside every day for quiet mindfulness. You can even sit quietly for just 5 minutes a day to begin your meditation practice. Find a peaceful comfortable place in your home and set an egg timer for 5 minutes. Intend to sit and relax for that time. As thoughts come to your mind, and they will, acknowledge the thought and then let it go. If it helps, you can visualize your thoughts as a bubble floating away from you. This teaches you how to listen and be more conscious of your thoughts throughout the day. Then it will be easier to use the "cancel, cancel" technique.

These are two simple techniques you can start to use today to create self-enhancing thoughts. You will start seeing the results in your life as you learn to shift your thoughts. A great quote to remember from Wayne Dyer is "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

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