The five-step process that I outlined in Clarity: How to Accomplish What Matters Most is a kind of training program for being able to suffer the slings and arrows of our crazy lives with grace and purpose.
In addition to that ability to remain present and aware and to make the best choices, I'd like to suggest a more immediate strategy: a mantra.
Adopting a mantra is an ancient technology. Like an alarm clock or a computer task reminder or an idiot light, a mantra is an intervention. It permits you to take a step back from the behavior instead of falling into it unconsciously. A mantra is amazingly effective.
At my recent Return to Clarity mini-retreat for women, we generated these mantras:
Be present.
Is it working?
There are worse things than death.
Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
It all adds to the story.
Is it real?
Do I enjoy it?
It can wait.
Do it now.
Go for it.
Just write what you think.
Let go and let God.
So?
Which of your behaviors could most benefit from a mantra? Can you make the mantra short, simple, and neutral?
In addition to that ability to remain present and aware and to make the best choices, I'd like to suggest a more immediate strategy: a mantra.
Adopting a mantra is an ancient technology. Like an alarm clock or a computer task reminder or an idiot light, a mantra is an intervention. It permits you to take a step back from the behavior instead of falling into it unconsciously. A mantra is amazingly effective.
At my recent Return to Clarity mini-retreat for women, we generated these mantras:
Be present.
Is it working?
There are worse things than death.
Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
It all adds to the story.
Is it real?
Do I enjoy it?
It can wait.
Do it now.
Go for it.
Just write what you think.
Let go and let God.
So?
Which of your behaviors could most benefit from a mantra? Can you make the mantra short, simple, and neutral?
