Mastering the Art of Attention - A Journey to Self-Actualization

Unlock the power of attention and transform your life in this thought-provoking episode! Delve into the profound insights of William James as we explore how our experiences are shaped by what we choose to focus on. Discover a world where ideologies clash, and learn how to navigate these influences with intention and mindfulness.

Key Takeaways:
- The importance of questioning beliefs and choosing personal growth over passive acceptance.
- Strategies for harnessing positive psychology through character strengths like bravery, hope, and gratitude.
- Practical tips for daily affirmations that reinforce self-improvement and resilience.

Join us as we empower you to become the best version of yourself. Tune in now for an inspiring journey towards self-discovery!

#WilliamJamesQuote #LifeIsAttention #WarOfInfluence #PositivePsychology #CharacterStrengths #BraveryAndCourage #VIACharacterSurvey #MindfulAffirmations #ChooseYourPath #SelfImprovementJourney #BestVersionOfYouPodcast 

In this morning's podcast, I want to use as a template this quote from William James, one of the earliest fathers of psychology. He says, quote, "My experience is what I agree to attend to." Close quote. You know, as I've thought about this through the years, it reminds me of a little statement I always use: Life is a matter of attention. We're constantly in a sea of influence of different ideologies trying to persuade us to do this thing, that thing, the other. That's all marketing is. 

What is transpiring in our world right now as far as a war of ideology, a war of words, a war of influence? That is a battleground right now. And every one of us must wake up and realize that we have the capacity to choose for ourselves what we will believe. Question things. Don't just accept something because someone says it. Question things at the core. A core question that all of us should be asking ourselves is, how can I become the best version of myself? Why do I exist? Why am I here? Why am I who I am? What is my purpose?

I believe that our purpose is to become the absolute best versions of ourselves, to maintain our freedom, our rights, our religion, choose for ourselves what we believe and to be extremely careful about what we allow to influence us. At the end of the day, every one of us has to choose for ourselves. And I would ask each of you, as I'm constantly working on this myself: We have something inside of us called a conscience. That means a feeling, an instinct. If something doesn't feel quite right, then question why. Keep questioning, searching, learning.

You know, a lot of individuals that I deal with and work with in the counseling world — in the therapy world — are just struggling with anxiety, depression, worry, doubt, fear; feelings of just fear that are being created by people who use their influence in a negative way. They come across super powerful and strong.

This reminds me of something that I read: The native Indians here in America, the Lakota people, have a word for looking at horses; it's called otankhon, which means leader or great one. In every herd of horses, there's a dominant horse — someone who's in charge — and all the other horses' responsibility is to follow that leader once that leader has made it known and everyone understands it's in charge.

Here's the other really interesting part. So the first rule is: I will follow you; you're in charge. The second rule is: I will always push you to make sure you're in charge. I will always question you. I'm not just going to accept things. I love that because it means we're all constantly working, learning, advancing and growing rather than the horse being in charge and then everyone else being subservient and never questioning anymore.

We're not supposed to do that; we're supposed to be learning line upon line, precept upon precept — growing and developing.

One of the things that I'm striving to work on with my clients more than anything else is to focus on what I call positive psychology. It's really an uphill battle dealing with positive psychology because of our negativity bias. By nature we just have a tendency to focus on negative things; we're running programs at the subconscious level that are always negative about discouragement, weakness, doubting ourselves and so forth.

So I love to focus on character strengths — constant positive affirmations. There's a statement by an individual named Neil Meyerson who developed something called the VIA (Values in Action) Strengths Survey. So let me explain just a teeny bit about that.

A number of years ago, a group of scientists went around the world; I think they spent three years studying different cultures looking for common denominators — things that every culture valued. The end result was something called 24 character strengths. You can just Google "VIA strengths survey," and they will show you the 24 strengths: bravery, perspective, spirituality, self-regulation, honesty, kindness, gratitude, perseverance, hope, judgment, social intelligence, leadership, prudence, love of learning, forgiveness, love, humor, creativity, fairness, curiosity, humility zest; appreciation of beauty and excellence; teamwork.

All cultures appreciated those things. The researchers put together a survey and questionnaire that is useful; if you take it (it's free online), it will list your character strengths in order based on how you respond to things — things you can focus on and things that you need to work on.

This main researcher said: "It is now time to be determined about nurturing widespread positive psychological mindedness — in particular our capacities for virtuousness." It has been noted that our brains are wired to pay greater attention to negative events than positive ones. So it may also be that the imperfect impulse driving our character strengths response is considerably weaker than our survival response.

This means we should expect that efforts to strengthen this response will need to be especially substantive and sustained; we need much greater efforts than we have today.

So back to what William James said: "My experience is what I agree to attend to." In working with clients — and I just want to let you know I'm seeing amazing results from this — focusing on positive character strengths and positive affirmations is key.

I'm not just saying do an affirmation one or two times in the morning; there's something suggested where every time you walk through a doorway you have a list of five character strengths (like bravery or courage) or other positive statements you want to focus on creating within yourself — becoming the best version of yourself.

Every time you walk through a door learn to tell yourself: "Ah! I am now brave." Why are things working out for me? "I am strong." "My body is healthy and strong." "I'm in the process of becoming the best version of myself right now," and so forth by listing some positive affirmations.

When he says that it may also be true that the impulse driving our character strengths is considerably weaker than our survival response: Much research shows we tend to focus on negative things; we're hardwired for it because that's how our survival system works.

Therefore:

To become the best versions of ourselves,
we must focus on bravery,
courage,
hope,
perseverance,
gratitude,
and different aspects of character strengths we want further developed.
We do this intentionally—making those statements repeatedly.

To make an affirmation useful:
It has to be first-person,
present tense,
and in a positive voice.
First person present tense in a positive voice means stating as it is now—not someday I'm going to be strong or someday I'm going to have more courage—but rather: "I am courageous today." "I am bold today in my actions." "I am confident in what I know," etc.

You can create tailored statements specifically for yourself but doing so mindfully isn't easy. When I'm working with clients week after week at the end of our session we always say okay let's write down some goals for next week. 

For example: “I’m going To do my positive affirmations.” Then I'll say okay let's be more specific; when are you doing them? What’s your intention? How many will you do daily? Is it when walking through doors? Learning how each time you walk through a door you'll say your affirmations?

Memorize your top five positive affirmations so they become second nature as you continue doing this over again—that’s when change starts happening! Unless this process is conscious and intentional—using your freedom—you’ll default back into negativity.

We need daily resets filled with joy and excitement: This day has been given fresh and clean; we can either use it or throw it away! Promise yourself you'll use today fully—best in character—best strengths—and take charge! No one’s coming for you!

It reminds me of Milton’s statement from Paradise Lost: “The mind can make a hell out of heaven or heaven out from hell.” And I've mentioned Viktor Frankl's powerful statement before:

"Everything can be taken from man but one thing—the last human freedom—to choose one's attitude in any given set circumstance—to choose one's own way between stimulus & response—there lies space."

In that space lies power—to choose responses—and therein lies growth & freedom! Remind yourself every moment—you have choices! 

The challenge we face often puts us on autopilot running subconscious programs wired negatively so consciously choosing becomes vital for developing desired character strengths!

Living today means embracing crucial virtues like bravery—not shrinking from threats/challenges/difficulties/pain—speaking up for what's right even amidst opposition!

Let me share something fascinating from my listening journey—a book by Lieutenant General Michael T Flynn titled *The Field Of Fight*. It discusses influences out there trying relentlessly against individual autonomy—indoctrination leading away from personal truth!

Desire freedom requires awareness—choose courage! Choose inquiry! Learn independently! Pray earnestly—seek wisdom & understanding! Keep reading voraciously!

Reading enriches life immensely—but remain mindful about content choice—you’re learning how best serve yourself! Pay attention & check feelings while reading—is this resonating positively?

Ultimately remember—we must decide carefully where we place attention since life revolves around choices & perceptions! Reprogramming subconscious pathways demands conscious decision-making!

When clients express fatigue towards anxiety/depression/fear—I suggest they repeat affirmations such as: “I AM brave!” “I AM strong!” “I trust myself!” “I’m comfortable within!” “Challenges provide growth opportunities!”

Be proactive instead victims—act according convictions while taking care self!

These reflections arise from witnessing transformations among clients who commit themselves toward genuine effort—they truly evolve positively despite external opposition remaining ever-present!

Resist marketers’ influence—stand firm against ideologies shaping thoughts without consent! Seek truth actively while aspiring toward becoming best versions possible!

Ask consistently—is my behavior supporting personal growth toward ideal self?

Take heart—embrace confidence/faith/hope/be strong/courageous/brave!

Have an amazing day ahead! Keep moving forward!