3 Steps to Living Your Best Life

Throughout the day we are bombarded with negative images, thoughts, and experiences. Because of this, we come to expect the worst to happen in every situation - right? This mind-set, once established, can be difficult to change until you finally make the decision that you have had enough. The challenge is that negative thoughts breed on their own; even if we are not aware of this happening.

There are three simple steps that you can use to assist in forming new and positive expectations each and every day: 

1. Create awareness around your negative expectations. A major problem with having negative thoughts are that they are generally living in your sub-conscious; below your awareness. People generally learn to accept that "this is just the way it is." To gain ownership and control over the negativity, you will need to create a stronger and higher level of self-awareness. An easy way to begin is to do a daily self-check. Begin to pay attention to how you are feeling. If you feel anything but good, begin to shift your thoughts. 

2. Know that you choose your thoughts. Knowing that you choose your thought gives you the power to choose your life and your experiences. For example, when you hear the voice in your head saying you can't finish your work on time, change the conversation to one that supports a positive outcome. 

3. Minimize your exposure to negativity. Our world is a hot-bed of negativity. Your world does not have to reflect the bigger world. Choose what you expose yourself to on a daily basis. Begin to change the channel on your television when then news is bad; find something positive and uplifting to listen to or just turn off the television. Read great books, listen to inspiring music, take a walk, play with children, volunteer, or meditate. 

Make a decision every day that today is going to be a fabulous day and you are choosing to feel good. Affirm confidently, "Today is going to be a great day! Everything will go my way and there will be plenty of lucrative, positive experiences, fun, and joy!" 

If you encounter any problems or obstacles, embrace them as opportunities that allow you to grow, learn, and become stronger. Perception is 99% of living life joyfully. When you work on making the shift in the way you look at your experiences, you will easily conquer negative thought habits.