Let’s face it, the way you start your day is likely how the rest of the day is gonna go. If you wake up late and ask a question like, why do I have to go to work? or how come I’m struggling to make ends meet? or why am I so fat and out of shape? You’re not going to like the answer you get. You see, your brain is primed to answer any question you ask of it. It’ll search its’ data banks until it finds the appropriate response. In fact, it might even make something up but rest assured the answer you get will not empower you but rather fortify your disdain for another crappy day in your so-called life.
Imagine what would happen if you asked yourself some empowering questions that provide empowering action steps for the day. For example, what can I do today to improve the quality of my relationship with my coworkers while enjoying the process? What can I do today, that will let my kids know that I love them more than they could ever imagine? What can I do today to improve my health, providing more energy and vitality? What can I do today that will provide more financial security to my life?
I hope you’re starting to see a pattern here. When you ask a question about yourself that starts with ‘WHY”, you’re already doomed. The answer will rarely empower you to take action. If you ask a question that starts with HOW CAN I? or WHAT CAN I do?, you immediately get answers which empower you to take actions steps. After all it’s not what you CAN do but rather what WILL you do. If you ask the wrong question, you’re likely to experience frustration while sabotaging your own happiness.
Before you go to bed tonight complete this assignment.
- Write down 5 things about your life that you absolutely love. With each entry stop for a moment and smile as you write it down. The smiling primes the brain to see things as empowering and happy. Focusing on what you already have rather than what you lack immediately puts you in a good mood. Don’t forget that you have plenty to focus on that’s good and plenty that’s bad. It’s your call.
- Write down 5 empowering questions that you can ask yourself the minute you wake up. These should be HOW CAN I or WHAT CAN I DO type of questions. This will get your positive juices flowing.
If you do this before you go to bed, you’ll have it on your night stand. The minute you wake up, review the list and smile during the entire process and you’ll be off and running with your day. Each week update your list and keep it fun. Then it will become a habit.
Disclaimer: If you keep this up you might become addicted to joy and happiness with minimal effort. This might categorize you as a freak!
Dr. Peter Percuoco is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and a Keynote Speaker. With 30 years of experience, Dr. Percuoco has stepped out of the clinic and onto the stage to share his message of hope and potential inspiring people to be the best that they can be.
