Our minds our powerful. We know what we want to do, seem committed, and yet find ourselves doing something else. Often the source of reasoning leading to the justification comes from within. We’re tired, we’re busy, we’ve been at it all day, on and on we go with the facts, using those facts as justification. While these facts are true, they are mere distractions from that which we want to do. Can we not be tired (for example) and still workout especially when we are committed to changing behaviors that include working out?
It feels as though these justifications are subtle ways I sabotage my attempt at changing behavior. A fascinating scripture is found in Romans 7:19 where Paul admits “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” I doubt Paul was talking about working out!(!) but his words resonate. Part of mindful thinking is setting aside these reasons for not doing to examine them, asserting that the reasons are not valid in relation to the commitment I have, and then just doing it. Let’s be real - there are times when I do not want to do what I should (grin). But as Momma used to say - square your shoulders back and go on. Push through this to just do it.
Negotiation is part of this. For example, I set a 20 per day target for working out with no judgment as to what I do. I figure I can do anything for 20 minutes. So, this strategy of using a target is helpful in the way it provides a manageable scope to the activity.
Observing the way my mind uses mind games to distract from the goal, adopting a just do it orientation, and setting manageable targets are all part of mindful thinking…
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