In the three months since these 4 words first occurred to me, I've yet to find a problem they can't solve.
Be present, be positive.
In 4 Words to Solve Anything -- Part 1, I wrote about the power of these words as well as how challenging it is for us to remember such wisdom in our busy, nonstop lives.
It's tough, but I'm motivated because when I follow their lead, I'm practicing all of life's most significant lessons -- how good is that? I believe taking this guideline to heart is worthy of our discipline and mindfulness. I'm still a beginner, but the results so far are miraculous.
In this second article on this topic I share about how to make the 4 words come alive in your life.
How to use these 4 words to solve anything
The principal point to remember is to stay out of your head. Stop entertaining pointless thoughts that go nowhere and take you away from this precious moment. Catch yourself making up stories about yourself and others that, if true, are not what you want.There's nothing positive about that habit. Break it and get back to what you're meant to be doing.
Especially notice when you've been dwelling on a particular problem or issue for days, weeks, months or even longer. Stuff like Here's what's wrong with him, I hate this job, no one appreciates me, or no matter how hard I try, I can't... and so on.
For instance, you're putting on your makeup or shaving, and you're running late. Is your attention on what you're doing with your mascara or your razor -- or on going faster, whose fault it is, or the consequences of not getting there on time?
I mention this example because I often run late, and it's upsetting to Tim. So I've made a promise to be ready 5 minutes ahead of time. I'm still not perfect, but I've discovered that slowing down my mind and concentrating on the very thing I'm doing means I'm ready more quickly. Doing one thing and thinking another leads to frustrating mistakes that take time to correct.
You see, being present and being positive come from the same place -- that's what makes it simple. The source of this wisdom is our inner core of strength, wisdom, grace, and heart that has been with us from the beginning. The instant we remember these 4 words, we are once more in a place of awareness and clarity. Doing the right thing comes naturally, often without thinking about it.
How to be more present and positive
Here's what I've discovered. As you read my suggestions, they may appeal to you or give you an insight into something you could do.
1. Pick one daily action. Choose anything from brushing your teeth, to driving to work, to hugging a loved one -- something you do every day. Develop the habit of being present and positive when you do it. For example, it's so easy to blame the person you're hugging for being in a hurry to get to the next thing. Instead, practice what you preach.
2. Notice when you are present and positive. In some instances you practice this mantra naturally, so you're not starting from a standstill. Perhaps it's reading to your child, meditating, or meeting with a lifelong friend. Wake up to what's working. Learn from what you know already by noticing what's different in these instances.
3. Put the words to work on your biggest issue. Take some quiet time to write your responses to the question, How could being present and positive solve this problem? Keep writing until you run out of answers. Choose one and get started.
4. Make some of the shifts silently. Not all solutions come with a change in your behavior. I'm finding that letting go of concepts and perceptions about certain issues and switching to being present and positive is enough. Poof!
Just keeping these words visible can bring instant solutions. Make a sticky note or two to catch your eye at the moment you need it most.
Be present, be positive.
I'd enjoy hearing about problems you're solving with these words -- or ways you're thinking about giving them a try. Either scroll down to leave a comment, or write to me directly at jinny@bestyearyet.com.
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