Thought For Today - July
 

Are You Cynical?

Are you a bit cynical about people? Maybe people have let you down and you haven't had positive experiences. But we're not inherently cynical and being cynical just makes us wary, preventing us from enjoying our relationships fully.

If you don't want to end up more cynical, practice being more trusting. Believe in the inherent goodness of others. Give others the benefit of the doubt. Practice trusting others, and be cautious when caution is called for, but avoid becoming cynical.

July 2

The Making Of An Apology

We're quick to apologize when we step on someone’s toe, or bump into someone, but what about when it really matters? Maybe, we're not so quick because apologizing when it matters, requires a dose of humility.

Humility enhances our capacity to reflect on our flaws, take responsibility for the effect of our actions, and frame our apology sincerely - all without devaluing ourselves.

Not only does it take humility to make an apology but it also takes humility to accept the apology.

July 3

No Time To Think

Do you feel like there’s no time to think? What do you do when something is urgent or important and you want to make it happen? You schedule it into your diary, squeeze it in, even when it seems like there’s no time.

So, understand the importance of thought and make time to think. Churn big questions or let your mind wander. If you really can't schedule time to think, squeeze it in when you take a shower or eat breakfast, or when you're walking or waiting - and make it happen.

Mind The Canvas

Your mind is a canvas, your thoughts are the brushes and your feelings and moods are the colors. What will you create on the canvas of your mind?

Just as you can paint your mind and create whatever you like, in the same way, the world is a canvas and your actions are the brushstrokes. What are you painting on the canvas of the world?

When You're Wrong

When you’re wrong, can you willingly admit it? It takes guts, but when you admit you are wrong and apologize, "I am sorry, I was wrong", it shows that you are taking responsibility. Admit you are wrong and you also create a culture of openness, where others can also feel free and comfortable to admit they are wrong.

Stop and Look

There are times when we need to stop and look back to mentally note what went well, what didn't, what we enjoyed and what lessons can be learned. Sometimes we need to pause and look around, notice what's around us and appreciate what surrounds us. And there are times when we need to look ahead and work out the next steps.

Look back, look around and look ahead. Find meaning, joy, purpose and hope. And let this propel you to move forward.

Complaining About The Weather

When it’s too hot, we complain, when it’s too wet, we complain, when it’s too cold, we complain, when it’s too windy, we complain. When it comes to the weather, there is always something to complain about. Complaining about the weather after all, is an easy conversation starter.

But complaining about the weather doesn't make a conversation interesting or create a positive energy. So what would happen if you didn't complain about the weather? Could you find something positive to say about the weather? Can you find an alternative interesting conversation starter? What would your conversations be without weather complaints?

Time Investments

Time is most valuable. Value time and you'll spend your time wisely. Spend your time and it’s gone, right? So, instead, invest your time to yield a higher return. Invest your time on things that matter. Invest it on things that bring you meaningful returns.

How will you make wiser time investments?

July 9

Know Your Stress

What causes you stress? Is it your job, a relationship, health, wealth.....? Or is it a demanding deadline, an overcrowded train, a throwaway comment.....?

To know your stress, try this:
- Take a piece of paper and divide it into three columns.
- In the first column, list your stressors, for example, presentations.
- In the second column, get specific about exactly why you feel stressed. So, if you’re giving a presentation, are you stressed about the audience, the use of technology, your performance?
- In the third column, brainstorm the solutions. Do you need some extra technical training or tips on how to calm your nerves?

Try this exercise; sometimes it unveils practical solutions and sometimes just knowing your stressors can mean that you don’t react so strongly to them next time.

July 10

Caught In The Shallow

Most of us get caught up in events and people, local and global, famous and not so famous. When we get caught in what is happening on the surface, often, it can make our connections shallow.

If you want to develop deeper connections, go from shallow to deep. Go deep, be deep and see the depth in everyone and everything. Look for the deeper meaning in the world around you, and you may experience life differently.

Traveling Everyday

Everyday we travel from 'A' to 'B'. When you go from one place to another, do you travel as if you're on a:
- Journey: Persevere through the delays & enjoy the journey, even if it's not pleasant.
- Voyage: Encounter each moment with curiosity & make it a discovery, an adventure.
- Pilgrimage: Infuse actions with intention & heart & make them meaningful & sacred.

Feelings in Relationships

There are times when we feel fear, guilt, hurt, insecurity and jealousy in our relationships. When these feelings drive our relationships, our relationships are not so happy.

The next time you’re not happy with how you are in your relationships, shift to love. You are love and you are loved. With love, navigate your feelings and work through them. Be who you want to be in your relationships.

Think Differently to Make a Difference

There are many things we can do to make a positive difference in the world. So, think about what more you can do to make a difference.

Did you know that your thoughts also have a considerable impact on the world? They really do. For example, if you have angry thoughts, it feeds the anger in the world. So, think about the impact your thoughts have on the world. Also consider how to think differently to make an even greater difference.

Let Yourself Hum

Ever catch yourself humming? Hum, because it triggers relaxation and also boosts your mood. Hum your favorite song or hum a happy tune or hum the tune that's stuck in your head. Hum, even if you're out of tune or don't know the entire tune.
Let yourself hum and let your good mood escape and flow into your world.

What You Believe About Yourself

Do you believe you can't do something? What makes you believe this? What we believe about ourselves often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, so, don't believe everything you believe.

Identify what you believe about yourself that's limiting, negative and simply not true; and then challenge what you believe and change it to something positive, something empowering.