Attention Training

I found this article quite interesting, and I'm actually looking forward to my next bad mood so that I can observe my own behavior. I know that I tend to react quickly when somebody pushes my buttons, and depending on the situation, I can switch to a bad mood rather quickly. What I'm going to try to do is stop when I feel myself about to react, think about what it is I'm really reacting to, and see if there's another way to channel that negative energy. Sitting here thinking about it, I wonder if doing something physical, such as cleaning or exercise, might be a positive avenue. I know from past experience that I do some of my best thinking while my body is in motion. Thanks, lots of "food for thought."

Great thoughts, especially in trying to match positive goals with certain moods. I've found there are quite a few possibilities per mood. I also find that cues help. As such, visualizations play a role in establishing these cues and activating them at the right time. Visualization also helps set up a plan of action that--particularly in athletics--you can try to chunk down into a single word or phrase. You can use the visualization to outline (in advance) a potential plan of action, a physiological or mental response--whatever--and then pick a word that will embody the plan. Acronyms are examples of chunked information--like ROY G BIV for the colors of the rainbow. You can use a single word like, "calm" or "strong" or an image like "ice" or "vapor," or "tidal wave" to trigger a desired behavior. Experiment. Then use reflection (afterward) to edit and sharpen your responses. Have fun!

I've been thinking about this post a little further, and I realize there is something that I've been doing recently that has really helped me to stay calm in situations that normally might get me upset. I guess it at its core is the old adage, "pick your battles." As I get older, I realize how true this is. Lately, when I find myself up against something that I really don't have control over, something that under other circumstances I would react negatively to, I respond with a simple, "okay." If I'm disagreeing with what somebody is saying and they are dead set on being right, I let them be right, even if only in the moment. What it does is instantly disarm them - anger melts away, and I don't feel that I have to fight the point. Don't get me wrong, if I need to voice my opinion, I do. But if I'm in a situation where it isn't going to make a difference (and that happens sometimes), I let it slide. So, I guess for me, the cue word is "okay," which in turn reminds me to let it go.

Hi, Donna. Thanks for sharing. If your experience is anything like mine (and it sounds it is) I'll bet all the little avoided hassles eventually add up to one big one you don't have to carry around--which leaves you more energy to enjoy other things. That alone is incentive enough to keep "cued!"

I appreciate the thoughts.