Focus On What You Want

And stop thinking about what you don’t want

Have you noticed your thoughts grow when repeated? The more you think about something, the stronger the neural connections in your brain that help you replicate similar thoughts.

Unwanted thoughts flourish when nurtured

Reiterating your thoughts is like watering and feeding a plant; your care helps what you pour attention into flourish.

Most people think of what they dislike and don’t want to happen more than they do about what they want. As a result, they develop a mindset that pays attention to unwelcome topics and makes them unhappy.

Preoccupation with problems is a habit

It’s hard to stop thinking of difficulties and events you dislike or disliked personal qualities because doing so is a habit. Hence, you might repeat the thought, “I can’t stand the way my neighbor gossips” or “I hate my appearance” every day.

Each time you spot your neighbor or see your reflection in a mirror, similar thoughts will arise.

Humans are built to recognize potential dilemmas, too, so your mind steers you toward them naturally. You seek catastrophes and mishaps on autopilot.

The idea is to recognize them so you can avoid them, but often, left alone, such difficulties will disappear or aren’t problematic after all. Entertaining these negative thoughts just deepens unhappiness.

Nonetheless, you can break the habit of concentrating on what you don’t enjoy. Awareness and changing your focus are the keys to successful change.

Identify what you want

You might not always know what you want; you just notice what upsets you. The great thing about turning the tables and changing your thinking habits is you’ll gain clarity.

When you concentrate on disliked aspects of life, you are in a quagmire of your own making. Your mind fixes on negativity, and you get nowhere fast. When you know what you want, you can take steps to get it.

Sometimes, you’ll want the opposite of what you dislike. At other times, though, your needs won’t be clear. You must consider what will make you happy and improve circumstances compared to the way they are at present.

Increase awareness

Catch yourself creating negative thoughts, and your awareness of them will grow. You’ll recognize specific topics that dominate your mindset so you can change them.

When thoughts about what you dislike arise, pause and refocus. Consider what you really want in any situation. How can circumstances improve?

Create thoughts to support your wishes and repeat them often.

Focus on what you want habitually

Get into the habit of framing thoughts positively to support your aims. So, instead of: “I hate the color of the living room carpet,” think, “I will visit a carpet salesroom and buy a new carpet.”

“I don’t like Mondays” can change to “I will make Mondays more cheerful and do things I enjoy,” and “I loathe mornings” can become “I will create positivity in the mornings.”

Focusing on what you want will not only help you clarify what you prefer, it will encourage you to be proactive too. Your mindset will change for the better, plus you’ll gradually improve your life.