Thriving in Difficult Times – Learning to Intentionally Control Your Thoughts

by | Aug 12, 2020

What consumes your mind controls your life. – Anonymous

Crisis Kit

I have created this anti-anxiety and anti-stress tool kit, proven by science, to help you reduce anxiety and stress. I guarantee you that if you implement some of these ideas and use these tools; you will navigate this uncertainty boat like a highly skilled Captain.

Stopped Dead in Her Tracks

Who loves jumping out of bed at 5:00 am?

5:00 am comes really early for me, but never early enough for Luna, my dog. With boundless energy, as soon as I open the door to let her outside, her biggest joy is trying to chase down the little cottontail bunnies that burrow in the backyard.

Fortunately, the bunnies are smart as a whip and quick as lightning; they scamper away as soon as they hear the door open.

Although Luna doesn’t have a chance in the world at catching one; she never gives up. She gives it the old college try every single morning.

Yesterday, the rabbits outsmarted her; there were two of them and they scrambled in opposite directions. For the first time ever Luna was dumbfounded. She made a mad dash in one direction then abruptly switched and ran in a circle; she stopped dead in her tracks confused about what direction to go.

What Bunnies Are You Chasing?

Without a doubt, we are living in a unique season in history; all of us are facing unparalleled challenges that affect us mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Unfortunately, over the last 6 months or so, we have been programmed to be fear-driven and this is causing yet another pandemic; a pandemic of fear-driven behaviors.

Many people are ridden with anxiety and worry. This is putting a heavy burden of weight on their minds; dwelling on the what-ifs, the worst-case scenarios; the hopelessness of everything.

Giving weight to something you have no control over is over-thinking things with no solution in sight.

Putting massive weight on these worrisome thoughts leads you to chase rabbits; chasing rabbits divides your focus and will stop you dead in our tracks.

“If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.” – Russian Proverb

You must look at the things you are chasing and the things you are giving weight to in your mind.

To thrive during this epic season, you must master your thoughts.

Once you learn not to give the worries, the obstacles, the negative circumstances so much weight, you start shifting your focus on what you do have control over.

A bonus is that once you shift your power from chasing multiple rabbits to the things you can control, you will experience greater peace while simultaneously building courage and grit.

Honestly, I have only one reason for writing this blog post today; I want to encourage you to be intentional with your thoughts; purposefully choosing to focus solely on the things you have control over.

This one choice, and it is a choice, will not only alleviate so much anxiety and worry that is prevalent today, but it will also help you bounce back stronger than before Covid19 and the reality of 2020 hit.

Focus on What You Can Control

There are some things in life that you simply cannot control. When you take time to think about it, are the things that you are stewing, worrying, or fretting about in your control?

I highly recommend that you categorize your thoughts; put everything into figurative buckets. Look at the buckets and ask yourself the million-dollar question,

“What do I have control over?”

Control the things you know you can control; your attitude, your routines, your thoughts, and your actions. Knowing that you cannot control other people, outcomes, or some circumstances is liberating and will produce incredible freedom in your life.

When you get so consumed with the things you have no control over, it negatively affects the things you do have control over.

Don’t be discouraged or get frustrated with this process. Taming your thoughts takes time but if you stay the course, you will be surprised at how quickly you can rewire your brain to stop worrying.

The key is to remain consistent and disciplined with this process. Press pause as soon as you recognize that you are putting weight on worrisome thoughts or chasing rabbits. Identify what you do have control over right this minute and course correct.

This powerful habit will give you newfound energy and valuable optimism; two characteristics sorely needed in today’s uncertain world.

Empowering Control

As humans, our natural tendency is to be in control. I’m not talking about being a control freak; I’m referring to what Psychologists call Perceived Control.

Perceived Control refers to an individual’s perception of his or her ability, resource, or opportunity to bring about desired outcomes and prevent undesirable ones.

Research shows that Perceived Control is associated with an enhanced state of emotional well-being.

Enhanced Emotional Well-Being

According to a study conducted by Thompson & Spacapan in 1991, Perceived Control reduces the physiological impact of stressors, enhances the ability to cope with stress, improves performance, people experience less pain, and have a greater likelihood of making difficult behavior changes. (Thompson & Spacapan 1991).

Studies like the above prove that your emotional well-being is a gift you can cultivate; it is something that is in your control especially during times of uncertainty.

These findings validate the importance of choosing to control what you can control. When you look at what you do have control over, you are putting yourself in a strong position to see solutions and possibilities you might miss if you are worrying and chasing rabbits.

This is not only empowering; it is very comforting in times when things feel out of control.

Seek Solutions

When you choose empowered thoughts, you are intentionally seeking solutions, which replace worrisome thoughts.  You can ask yourself questions such as:

  • What else is possible here?
  • How might I be able to find a solution to this?
  • What resources are available to me?

Hopefully, you will follow Luna’s lead and never give up on choosing your thoughts; giving it the old college try every single day.

By doing so, you are creating a more peaceful environment for yourself and priming your mind to bounce back stronger than ever before.

To Stop Chasing Bunnies You Must:

Master your thoughts
Choose to be intentional about your focus
Commit to staying the course

Make it a courageous day!

Rita

Crisis Kit

I have created this anti-anxiety and anti-stress tool kit, proven by science, to help you reduce anxiety and stress. I guarantee you that if you implement some of these ideas and use these tools; you will navigate this uncertainty boat like a highly skilled Captain.

Rita Hudgens
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