10 Dec You don’t have to focus on the dirty spot!
So I was driving along the other day, minding my own business…
…when I noticed a dirty mark on the windscreen of my car. And guess what I focused on, to the exclusion of all else, for the remainder of that trip?
That damn spot!
Despite 99% of my windshield being clean and providing a perfect view, my attention kept returning, time and time again, to that one dirty mark.
Which reminded me of a broader problem I, and many others experience in life.
Do you have one problem that overrides all the good in your life? Is there one person in your office who bothers you no end, despite there being another 10, 20 or 50 who are great? Is there one aspect of your own personality that frequently upsets you regardless of the many, many other positive qualities about which others often compliment you?
For most of us, the answers are yes, yes, yes and yes!
Overgeneralising, maximising, exaggerating and catastrophising are all “unhelpful thoughts” in which many of us engage on a regular basis. And the sad reality is they allow a few or sometimes minor negatives to outweigh and overwhelm much larger or more prolific positives.
But this need not be the case. We can ignore or look around that dirty spot. We can direct and redirect our attention to other aspects of the view. We can accept that the “spots” are not really that bad or we could even clean the spot away! Whatever strategy we chose, we should never allow one small problem to dominate what could and should be a beautiful scene (or life)!
…So that’s today’s mailing. Take some time to reflect upon the message and how it might apply to you. Check out, also, the links below for some additional readings and resources.
I hope it helps you enjoy some more happiness. Until next time…
Keep well & keep smiling
Tim Sharp (aka Dr Happy)