In reading the excerpt below keep in mind that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the front third area of the brain that plays a key role in forethought and judgement. Don't get scared now!! ~smile~ I'm not gonna get all scientific on you. It will be worth it! I promise. Here goes...
"Whenever you give in to your impulses and lose your focus, you actually weaken the PFC's control over your life and make the behaviors more likely to occur again. When you resist negative behaviors you strengthen the PFC and your own self-control. Resisting the temptation to waste time or engage in activities that are worthless or harmful makes you stronger. Repetitively doing positive activities makes them more likely to occur. Disciplined behavior increases discipline." This is an excerpt from the book Magnificent Mind at Any Age by Daniel G. Amen, MD.
So basically you have to use self discipline to gain self discipline. Sounds hard but is easier than you may think. First get really clear on the actions that are most important. Keep them in front of you. When you find yourself going to check your e-mail for the third time in an hour, or the temptation to continue a conversation that is just distracting you, or doing secondary tasks that distract you from the important actions... Stop! Focus on what you really want. Do you want to continue to feel bad about your results or do you want to make a change and feel good? Choose to resist!
Resist the temptation to procrastinate, waste time, etc. Know that each time you resist is like strengthening a muscle. You are strengthening your brain and creating knew patterns so that it will not be as hard in the future. Have you watched The Biggest Loser? As the show progresses you see contestants strengthening their self discipline and strengthening their brain. It does get easier for them to resist and focus on what they are doing for themself and their family as they create new thought patterns (habits).
Think of it this way. Do you want short term satisfaction that lasts a few moments? Or do you want higher self esteem, more fulfillment, more accomplishments, and the list of benefits goes on....? Take action to strengthen your self discipline and create a long track record of daily successes.
Thoughtful question(s) to shift into action:
What sabotaging behavior will you resist today in order to gain focus, strengthen your brain, and set the stage for greater self control and a history of positive actions that leads to greater success and happiness?
Don't stop here. Take action! Then come back and let everyone know what worked for you.
As we support each other to be unlimited~
Coach Beth
www.StartingNowCoaching.com
When you are ready to be unlimited!
1 comment:
I really love how you have brought in the scientific reason for our succumb to defeating behaviors repeatedly. It is amazing to me that we will sabotage higher self esteem, more fulfillment and more accomplishments for immediate gratification due to loss of focus.
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