Triggering
Intention: How To Remember To Remember
by: Maya Talisman Frost
You've got a lot to store in
that brain of yours. Sometimes you need to remind yourself to remember
something. The most effective way to remember is to choose your triggers
wisely.
Post-its work great, but I'm all
for simplifying things even further. By choosing to make a certain behavior a
trigger for a particular thought, we can skip the paper and adhesive and get
right to the important stuff.
The trick is to be intentional
about it. We tend to hop in the shower and let our minds wander to all the
stuff we're supposed to do. We go about the process of soaping, shaving, and
shampooing without paying much attention to what we're doing. We jump into our
cars each morning, absorbed by our thoughts. We wash the dishes, sort the
laundry, wait in line at the gas station, stand at the grocery counter, and
vegetate during commercials without noticing what we're thinking. By
incorporating some simple mindfulness techniques into our daily routine, we can
focus on our intentions and create lasting changes in our brains.
We've already learned that in
order to get our brains to work for us instead of against us, we must come up
with present-tense statements that we would like to be true, and we have to
repeat them to ourselves daily. Spend some time coming up with two or three
one-sentence statements about how you want to feel.
No fair using numbers. This
isn't about setting sales goals or salary amounts or even the number of pounds
you want to lose. Make a statement that simply describes how you want to feel
about your life right now.
Here's a list of possible
statements:
"I am filled with joy and
excitement each day."
"I feel confident, relaxed,
and open to whatever the day may bring."
"I have plenty of time to
accomplish whatever I need to do."
"I have plenty of energy to
enjoy my free time."
"I attract plenty of money
for all my needs."
"I am surrounded by loving
people who want only the best for me."
"I am fit, healthy and
active."
"I am calm and mindful of
all that arises in and around me."
Your brain needs to hear these
positive statements, even if you think YOU don't need to. Humor your brain,
okay? Give it some happy food to chew on. Allow your mind to mull things over
subconsciously.
Brain research tells us that we
need to see it, say it and hear it. If at all possible, say your statements out
loud if only in a whisper. Watch yourself in a mirror while you do it. Hear
your voice saying the words. Visualize what it looks and feels like when each
statement is true. The more senses you engage, the more quickly your brain will
absorb your statement.
Remember that your mind doesn't
sort thoughts into neat piles marked "real" or "imagined".
Everything goes in and is processed in the same way. You must feed your brain
what you want to believe. We all do a great job of spooning in the negative
thoughts, so why is it too much to ask to dish out a few positive ones?
Once you've got your statements,
then what? How do you remember to repeat them in a consistent way?
Choose your triggers. Select a
certain habit or activity that you engage in every single day. It can be
something as simple as brushing your teeth. Any activity that gives you about
30 seconds of time to focus will work. It helps to choose an activity that is
somehow related to your intention statement.
For example, let's say that you
want to feel less rushed. Think of a trigger related to time. Hitting the
snooze button? Looking at your watch? Waiting for your bus or train? Don't
choose ALL of these-you won't remember them all. Instead, choose one single
action to be your trigger for repeating that statement. Think "time"
whenever you engage in that activity, and repeat your statement: "I have
plenty of time to accomplish everything I need to do." Or, you could use
that trigger to think "relaxed" and repeat "I am relaxed and
unhurried."
Use the language that works best
for you, but make sure it is present tense and positive--say "I am
relaxed" instead of "I'm not stressed." Neuroscientific studies
indicate that if we say the word "stressed" our brains will zero in
on that and skip the "not" part!
Once you've selected it, start
creating the habit of repeating your statement to yourself whenever you engage
in that behavior.
Want to work on your attitude
about money? Every time you open your checkbook or use your credit card,
remember "plenty" and repeat your intention statement about it.
"I attract plenty of money for all of my needs." Maybe you want to
spend less money. In that case, think "save" and say "I save
money wisely" or "I am thrifty and frugal."
Looking to improve your approach
to your wellness? Repeat your intention statement each time you take the first
bite of a meal or lace up your exercising shoes. Think "healthy" and
repeat "I am fit, healthy and active."
Longing to find a loving
relationship? Each time you see an affectionate couple or someone you find
attractive, remember "love" and state your intention: "I am
loved deeply and treated lovingly."
It's easy to get caught up in
the negative thought cycles we've all developed during our lives. Our brains
already know the "I'm never going to get ahead financially" story and
the "No matter what I do, I can't lose this weight" story. Our minds
are getting way too many repeats of the "Other people fulfill their
dreams, but not me" fairy tale.
Ack. Turn the page. New story!
Dish up some positive intention
statements, and make sure they become a regular part of your routine by
attaching them to the triggers you feel will work best for you. Make it easy
for your brain to remember to remember.
And okay, use Post-its if that
helps.
About The Author
Maya Talisman Frost is a mind
masseuse. Her work has inspired thinkers in over 80 countries. To subscribe
to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, visit http://www.massageyourmind.com.
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