I can remember a pattern that emerged over the years related to my experience of “getting things done”; e.g., getting tasks done efficiently and up to my personal standard. However, this method depended largely on how I went about it while trying to maintain a positive and focused attitude.
For instance, my attitude remained the crucial component to the level of success I imagined for my task or project. After considering my “attitude”, and the kind of plan I intended to use in order to make the task reach a level of success, I realized the type of planning was equally important to the goal.
Habits and Taking Action
Analyzing my past habits and actions, while comparing them to more recent habits, I came to the conclusion that my “attitude” had a great deal to do with the outcome…positive or negative; but, it also made a big difference in the quality of time needed to perform the tasks.
This idea may sound basic but, I assure you that it is a little more complicated; in other words, it is not just the process of positive or negative thinking, which affects an outcome. It is the concept of how an individual truly thinks or feels about the specific task.
In fact, the task, even though it is a means to an end, can become the “weight” of drudgery that interferes with the goal or eventual achievement. The weight makes everything that one is trying to accomplish, more difficult and frustrating. Therefore, since the weight is linked to how one thinks or feels about their tasks, it can and should be modified.
When the habitual pattern becomes lighter, it makes the quest easier and more enjoyable instead of disagreeable and unpleasant.
Modifying the Habit
In changing a frustrating habit to a pleasant one, there is a simple practice that can help:
Whenever you have an unpleasant feeling about a particular task to be performed, remember to replace it with a satisfying thought each time it occurs.
Example:
For instance, as a Life Coach, I’d rather be attending to a client in session or writing an article based on career or personality issues than cooking or preparing dinner; however, I have to eat, so I might as well make this task as pleasant as possible instead of dreading it until I have finished.
The New Pattern
So, I turn the thought around to how important it is to eat prepared thoughtful meals and it is a plus to my health and well-being. In addition, it will not take too long and I may experience a new recipe from my wonderful cookbooks. I may even create a new one!
*As time progresses, the new positive attitude and thought become automatic and a new pattern eventually emerges. This pattern or new habit that eliminates the weight of approaching something in a negative tone will calmly take you through tasks quicker and easier. The positive outcome should lead you to an enriched end.
The Research That Confirms The Pattern
In fact, according to the article, An Introduction to Modern CBT: Psychological Solutions to Mental Health Problems, Aaron T. Beck suggests that negative thoughts are the direct reflection of an individual’s schema (core beliefs) of automatic thinking habits developed about themselves, the world around them, and their future (Hofmann, 2012).
Moreover, the schema actually defines how an individual could perceive a certain situation, which in turn, would give credence to habitual negative thoughts. The thoughts constitute the unrealistic perceptions of the particular situation, which drive an emotional reaction.
Psychological View
Beck developed a successful treatment that focused on individuals to identify and assess the situational thoughts and patterns with realistic beliefs, allowing people to function easier and feel healthier, psychologically.
Hence, the research backs up my initial thought that: “the way one thinks and feels about a situation or task, is what makes all the difference in how they approach and achieve it”.
Ultimately, the individual feels good about themselves while promoting higher self-esteem.
Final Thought
One final note…. I found the process of “attitude & approach” to work in many areas of my life especially in performing the administrative tasks related to my business.
With consistency, it should work for you too.
References
Hofmann, S. (2012). An introduction to modern cbt: psychological solutions to mental health problems. Wiley-Blackwell, Walden, Ma. Retrieved from https://www.questia.com/read/123505523/an-introduction-to-modern-cbt-psychological-solutions
