The #1 Way to Achieve Your Dreams
The #1 Way to Achieve Your Dreams
The #1 Way to Achieve Your Dreams
Ellen. Oprah. Joe Rogan? What do these three people have in common? I will be appearing with each of them to promote my new book. Do Ellen, Oprah, or Joe Rogan know this? Well, no, not yet, but they will!
We can all dream, but do we?
Do we take time to think about what we really, really want? Do we believe it’s really possible?
Sadly, for many people, the answer is no. “There’s no way I’ll be able to do that” or “Yeah, like that’ll ever happen” are what we’re more likely to tell ourselves. We remain frustrated and dissatisfied with our current circumstances, and without even realizing it, we invite them to continue. In a misguided attempt to figure out what we want, we focus on what we don’t want, and the simple act of doing that creates more of it.
What have you always wanted? What do you dream about? How are you going to accomplish it?
This is my dream board, and each of these images represents something I am excited about. The return of my smile, traveling around the world, and appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres show are just a few of the things in my future. Do I know how I’m going to get there? No. Does that matter? No!
That’s not how your brain works.
Once you have a clear vision of what you want, your brain automatically works backwards to find ways to make it happen. You begin to make conscious (and subconscious) choices that will make it a reality. By truly believing it will happen, and by taking the time to visualize it, you will make your dreams a reality.
Get Your Dream Board Started
To create your own dream board, find some old magazines and start cutting out pictures. Whenever you see a picture that represents something you want to be, have, or experience, cut it out. There are no wrong images. Pictures can represent places, people, things, thoughts, or anything else. Have a picture of the man or woman of your dreams? Put it on your dream board (unless you are currently in a relationship with someone other than in that picture – that would be awkward). Once you have a collection of images or words, you can create your own dream board.
While the exercise may seem silly, it’s a simple and powerful way to help you accomplish your goals. Once your mind has a very clear vision of success, it will find ways to get you there.
Read that again. 🙌
Success doesn`t happen overnight nor is it a straight path. I am beyond grateful to live my passion and share it with the world. #throwbackthursday
I played piano from the time I was four years old until the age of 15 and during that time, I had a lot of recitals. I remember being so nervous before each recital. What if I played the wrong note? What if I forgot the music? My dad would look at me, hold my hands, and say:
Whatever you do, DO NOT think of pink elephants!!
At the time, I had no idea why in the world he would say this. All I do know is that when I sat down to play, all I saw were pink elephants, and I was able to tackle my nerves.
Turns out my dad was helping me to practice the ironic process theory which explains that when we try to suppress our thoughts, we focus on them even more. Seventy to 80% of our thoughts are negative and repetitive. If not managed, intrusive thoughts can lead to anxiety, depression, and a whole host of mental health challenges.
If you tend to get stuck in rumination, or if your thoughts sometimes get the best of you, here are a few ways to take back control:
1️⃣ Recognize that your thoughts are not facts.
2️⃣ Use your brain. Do a math problem, practice a different language, or play a puzzle game. When you access the prefrontal cortex, the higher level thinking part of your brain, you get out of the emotional limbic system.
3️⃣ Distract yourself. Sometimes a simple distraction gives you enough distance to quiet your intrusive thoughts.
4️⃣ Practice mindfulness.
5️⃣ See a therapist. When negative, intrusive thoughts impact your ability to do your job, maintain relationships, or start clouding your judgment, it may be time to get help. As someone with plenty of intrusive thoughts, therapy has helped me tremendously.
Don’t forget, your thoughts and feelings are not facts. They are simply habits that need to be shifted. Be patient with yourself, and if all else fails, whatever you do, DO NOT THINK OF PINK ELEPHANTS!
Pets provide a deep sense connection and unconditional love. I don’t know what I’d do without without these two nut jobs! Happy National Love Your Pet Day! ❤️🐶 #mindfulmonday #mindfulness #petsnuggles #ilovemydogs #petsofinstagram #nationalloveyourpetday
I hope your Friday includes donuts. 🍩
Midweek reminder: Reset your mindset. 🧠
Read Up on Resilience!
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Anne Grady is a Speaker, Author, and #TruthBomb Dropper.
Anne shares practical strategies that can be applied both personally and professionally to improve relationships, navigate change, and triumph over adversity. And she’ll make you laugh while she does it. Anne is a two time TEDx speaker, and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fast Company and Inc. magazines, CNN, ESPN, and FOX Business. She is the best selling author of 52 Strategies for Life, Love & Work and Strong Enough: Choosing Courage, Resilience and Triumph.