#21 of the "101 Ways to Love Your Job"

The Power of Negative Thinking

Remember, even if you consciously think in a positive mode, our subconscious still takes in the environment around us. With or without our approval, the subconscious hears and sees everything and takes it in as truth. To measure your positive vs. negative ratio, try this exercise:

Imagine your day from beginning to end. When you begin this mental exercise, start seeing your day from the moment your alarms goes off in the morning until you reset it before going to sleep.

During your "visual trip," notice the types of input you surround yourself with. Specifically:

-What type of music are you listening to? What are the actual lyrics?
-What TV and news programs are you watching? What is the nature of the content?
-What books are you reading? How would you generally describe the contents?
-What types of people do you find in your life? What are their personal philosophies?
-What websites do you surf? What is the purpose on these websites?
-What radio programs do you listen to? What do you gain in listening to these programs?
-What magazines do you read regularly? How do these help you meet your goals?

None of this is benign. You are the only one who has control over what you feed your mind. Is it mental and emotional junk food or something that is good for you?

See more articles on my website "Work Stress Solutions.Com"

Buy the book that created this blog "101 Ways to Love Your Job." It's been described as "serious information with a very-readable humorous tone."

#20 of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job

Jingle All the Way

The next time you get a jingle or song in your head that you can't get rid of, use it to your advantage.

Replace the words of the song with words that affirm your goals. For instance, if "Jingle Bells" if running through your mind, replace the words with something like:

Dashing to the bank,
In a four-door Mercedes Benz.
O'er my office I go,
Laughing all the way. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Or just....

Health, health, health
Health, health, health
In a one-horse open health, healllllth!

This is just one more way that you can take control of your own mind and focus it in the way you wish. It's a little like exercising---you don't realize how little strength you have until you start to use the "muscle."

Once you start to focus your brain vs. letting it run amok, you'll find yourself directing your thoughts automatically and with ease.

*^~See my site, See my site, Seeeee my site---hey!~^*.... Work Stress Solutions.Com !

#19 of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job

Getting a New Groove

No matter how high your enthusiasm may be after taking a training class or reading a new book, there will be no change unless you focus on this material for at least 21 days. That is the purpose of the "action plan" that you see at the end of many workshops.

You will be fighting your "old groove" for the first three weeks, so expect setbacks. Instead of seeing these setbacks as failure to change, realize this is part of the organic process. You are in charge of making changes in your life (both positive and negative). Luck and fate may play a small role, but this research indicates that for the most part, we are in charge of our "programming" and can decide to seek out improvement or to let things stay as they are.

Pretty exciting stuff, but the real question is: What do you plan to think about for the next 21 days?

I'd recommend you be very precise in your thoughts. If you find yourself thinking of something you don't like or don't want or believe, immediately "erase" this programming by repeating mentally the thoughts you do want to predominate. An example:

"I am so scattered. Why do I always wait until the last minute to get things done?"

Instead of perpetuating this self-image, this person may wish to reframe this observation or trait by thinking something else:

"I like the pressure of getting things done at the last minute. I am also working on getting more organized and doing things before they are due."

Even simple thoughts like, "I'm such a geek," can do damage. Instead, visualize "erasing" this groove or thought pattern by saying, "I sometimes act appropriately and sometimes mess up---just like everyone else."

Proactively creating statements to counter your subconscious messages to yourself are also useful. If you know you spend a lot of time thinking negatively about yourself, your work, or certain circumstances, erase these "tapes" and program yourself to see things the way your subconscious/thinking mind wants to frame them.

Our thoughts create our behavior, not the other way around. The more you focus on your thoughts, the more positive results you will see in your interactions with others.

See all 101 Ways to Love Your Job : Amazon.Com.

My website has many tools for work stress (most are free): Work Stress Solutions.Com

#18 of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job

Get a New Groove

There is a convincing amount of data that confirms that our thoughts create neurological pathways or "grooves" in our brains. The more frequently we have a specific thought (or hear a thought verbalized by others), the deeper the indentation in the brain becomes. Eventually this "groove" takes the form of instinct or habit and becomes a part of who we are.

Researchers, using technology that allowed for taking a photographic image of the brain, focused on verifying this information to attempt to benefit people with mental illness. This studies took three groups of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here are the setup and results of these studies:

1. The first group did nothing differently for the twenty-one day period.

2. The second group took medication known to repair the neurological breakdown causing OCD.

3. The third group participated in behavior therapy and focused on changing their thoughts and behaviors, repeating affirmations or helpful phrases, etc.

A "photo" was take of each participant's brain before and after the study. The findings were:

1. The first group had no visible change to the brain.
2. The second group had positive changes and new 'grooves.'
3. The this group had the same positive changes as the second group.

The implications of this study certainly offer important information about taking charge of our thoughts and building a more productive and satisfying life. It takes 21 to 28 days to make a new groove (a new neurological pathway) in the brain.

Some suggestions to put this research to work for you will be provided in tomorrow's entry.

To go ahead and start reading 101 Ways to Love Your Job in its entirety, just head over to Amazon... (we're talkin' $9.95, folks!)

For more articles and tools, worksheets, tests and videos, see my website Work Stress Solutions.Com.

#17 of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job

Affirmations Work

Affirmations must be stated as if they are already true.

It is common error to state something like, "I will be promoted soon," or, "I want to be financially comfortable." Unfortunately, what this language creates is the state of wanting to be promoted, but not actually being promoted. So instead, you will always want vs. actually attaining your goal.

State the affirmation as if it is already true. In the above examples, an effective affirmation would be: "I am doing things to get promoted every day," or, "I am making choices that lead to financial comfort." A good test of an affirmation is whether if feels like a lie. If it does, then you are doing it right. I know this sounds strange, but if you don't smoke and you decide to create an affirmation like, "I am smoke-free," then where's the work? Where's the change? By definition, you aren't there yet, so it should be untrue (for now).

Affirmations take about 28 days before you start seeing results.

This is also the time it takes to change a habit. There is something in the subconscious that just holds on to our old way of doing things. Many experts feels this 21-28 day cycle is a survival tool held over from our ancestors. The subconscious is trying to do us a favor by creating autopilot responses to free our minds for higher thinking. Instead of having to think about how to brush your teeth each and every time, you probably spend that time reflecting on the day ahead. This is one example of a habit you have established.

Whatever the reason for this delay, be aware that you will feel resistance for about one month. Resistance will look like:

*feeling silly
*being skeptical
*forgetting these suggestions and going back to your old ways

"Just do it" is my best advice for getting past this stage. Caution: watch out for the trap of, "I am becoming more skilled everyday...but not really!" or "I am being financially responsible--despite my inability to stay away from the mall," and other self-sabotaging thoughts.

The next time you find yourself thinking negatively or in a way that doesn't serve your goals or desires, immediately "erase" that programming with an affirmation. Remember---it doesn't matter is your conscious mind thinks it is nonsense. Your subconscious mind accepts and and all input.

Control your thoughts and control your life.

For immediate access to all 101 Ways, see Amazon now.

My website has LOTS of free tools and worksheets. Visit Work Stress Solutions for more information.

#16 of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job

Affirmations vs. Positive Thinking

"Willpower creates nothing durable." ~Napoleon

In a nutshell, here's how affirmations work:

1. Your subconscious mind accepts all data without question. Images, words, feelings all register with the subconscious.

What this means is that if you are saying things to yourself like, "Attaboy!" then you're in good shape. If you find yourself saying things like, "You stupid jerk," then you're in for a tough ride. To test this, imagine standing on a hotel balcony--fifty stories up--and then (in your mind's eye) look down at the pool. Feel the zing in your toes? Thoughts have power!

2. Whether you currently believe what you are saying to yourself, the subconscious mind will process it as truth.

If you are trying to lose weight, simply state: "I am losing weight," or some other positive phrase. The subconscious mind deals primarily in imagery, though, so watch out for negative statements like, "I don't want to be fat." To verify this for yourself, say this phrase: "I will not eat that chocolate cake." What's the first thing that popped into your head? Yep. Chocolate cake. So if you are saying, "I don't want to be fat," the image that pops into your head is likely a fat version of you. That is the picture or image that registers with the subconscious mind, and you'll continue to perpetuate this outcome.

3. Affirmations are not the same thing as positive thinking.

Though there are some similarities, the technique for using affirmations is not the same as for positive thinking. Positive thinking asks that you see the positive in every situation, as much as possible. While this allows for the person to focus on the upside of a situation, it may be unrealistic for every scenario (like that stranger following you in the parking lot at 4 am). Instead, affirmations seek to create the outcome you would like, despite the current reality. For instance, if you find you have a chronic illness, or a troubled relationship with your boss, here are some examples of the difference between positive thinking and affirmations:

Positive Thinking (illness): This illness is allowing me to spend the time I needed all along to get myself back on track health-wise.
Affirmation (illness): I am getting healthier every day. I do things that bring me health.
Positive Thinking (relationship): This situation at work is at least teaching me that I can still be productive when someone doesn't like me.
Affirmation (relationship): I am doing things to improve the relationship with my boss. I am taking my share of responsibility for this situation and am making progress every time we meet.

For more of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job...go to Amazon. Great stocking stuffer!

#15 of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job

Affirmations Will Change Your Life

I know the word affirmation conjures up all sorts of imagery from "the new age" or pop psychology gurus, but affirmations really are more than just alternative theory. There are numerous published studies (via the New England Journal of Medicine and Duke University, to name just two) indicating that affirmations work. Whether you agree with affirmation theory or not, you are always sending your subconscious mind messages or affirmations. Why not be in control of these messages?

The word affirmation is just a way of saying "affirm yourself" vs. "tear yourself down." Use another term if it helps. Input, thoughts, data, or reconfiguration will all work in its place.

Negative thinking and positive thinking are learned behaviors. We have been told by important others in our past to assess a situation as good or bad, and we continue to do so today as adults. Unfortunately, we tend to err on the side of negative assessment. We may find this more entertaining (Can you believe she work that to the office??) or we may be buffering ourselves for fate or bad news. The idea is that if we head off painful experiences at the pass, we will be better able to sustain the bad news when it inevitably comes. The end result is that we spend most of our lives steeped in negative thought and attract people into our lives with similar views.

Play a game with yourself today. When you find yourself thinking negatively, look for any silver lining in the situation. Got a flat tire? Well, at least it's on a busy highway in broad daylight and not a deserted street at night. Didn't get the increase in salary you'd hoped for? You still have a paycheck. Get the idea? It's just a game---an effective game that will bring to your attention the hundreds of negative thoughts you have each day.

Get 101 Ways to Love Your Job today.

#14 of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job

No Random Thoughts

Buddha said, "The mind is everything. What we think, we become." This is true in all areas of our lives, but certainly where our careers are concerned. What we are thinking regularly is given attention or mental energy. Mental energy (our thoughts) is manifested in the physical realm as action. Regular actions become habits, and habits create our lives. The more focused and clear our thinking, the more focused and clear the outcome. If the desired end result is not clearly defined and specific, then it is likely we will not realize success. At best, we will get a mixed result---sometimes our plans work out, sometimes not.

Spend time this week thinking about what is happening in your career today. If you are getting inconsistent results at work--sometimes you get recognition, sometimes not; sometimes you get the promotion, sometimes not---then it's likely your thoughts are also inconsistent. When you notice you are thinking in a way that is contrary to your desires, "erase" that thought with one that more accurately represents your goal.

Get 101 Ways to Love Your Job as an office gift (even if the gift is for you!).

#13 of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job

No Random Thinking

"Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure."

~Thomas Edison


As an adult, you have always been in the position to determine what it is you really and truly want to be "when you grow up." No matter your current obstacles, bad choices, or credit card debt, you can take responsibility---right this minute---and start turning things around. This is true for everyone.

While some of you may be sure that you are going to spend your life in your current role, others may not be so sure. Is your current job the best way to express your abilities? Maybe you like your department, but not your current position; maybe you love your position, but not your coworkers. Whatever your current situation, it is imperative to be clear and specific on what you are doing and why and to accept that you are exactly where your thinking (the dialogue you have with yourself) got you.

Stay tuned for #14 to discover how to change that thinking...

Or you can jump ahead by getting "101 Ways to Love Your Job" and read at your leisure.

#12 of the 101 Ways to Love Your Job

Water's Role in Stress Management

In any stress management regime, the emphasis on water intake is always mentioned. But why is water so important? What happens if we don't take in the standard eight-ounce glasses every day? Is it really going to do that much harm? Read on for some important facts on good ol' H20.

1. Lack of water is the number-one trigger of daytime fatigue.

2. Seventy-five percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

3. Dehydration has been linked to allergies, depression, irritability, and short-term memory loss.

4. In 37 percent of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

5. A mere 2 percent drop in body water can trigger fuzziness, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

6. Even mild dehydration will slow down one's metabolism and stop the elimination of toxins.

7. One glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100 percent of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.

8. Preliminary research indicates that eight to ten glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80 percent of sufferers.

9. Drinking fives glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45% plus, it can can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79% and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

Source: For more information on the importance of water intake, I highly recommend that you read Your Body's Many Cries for Water by Dr. Batmanghelidj, MD

Get 101 Ways to Love Your Job on Amazon.