You cannot stop the waves but you can learn how to surf!
How to take control of your thoughts
“You cannot stop the waves but you can learn how to surf” - How to move from Effect to Cause
Have you ever noticed how often you hear others say “I can’t do that because…” It may be because of time, money, the kids etc.
How often do you hear “If he hadn’t said or done that…” or “he makes me so angry”?
I know I hear it a lot and at times I say these things too, don’t you?
In physics we understand the idea of Cause and Effect. As Sir Isaac Newton said, “Every action creates an equal and opposite reaction”. In other words, think about ten pin bowling, the cause is the bowling ball rolling down the alley in the direction you choose. The effect is knocking over the pins when knocked by either the ball or maybe another pin.
In psychology, the idea of Cause and Effect is similar; so consider the analogy of a bowling ball. If you are At Cause you are the bowling ball and taking actions to shape and create the world you want. If you are At Effect you are one of the pins busy focussing on how something else or somebody else has affected you and your actions and maybe knocked you over. Being At Effect will be revealed in the language you use.
If you find yourself saying “I can’t do that because…” or “If he hadn’t said or done that…” or “he makes me so angry” then you are At Effect. You are letting others determine your feelings, behaviour and actions or you are blaming circumstances rather than empowering yourself to take responsibility for your actions and decisions. Also, every time you say such things you are affirming and reaffirming these points in your mind.
Isn’t it more empowering to be At Cause? Aren’t you more likely to succeed and achieve by taking ownership of your actions and behaviours and avoiding the blame game? Won’t you feel more in control if you focus on what you can control and being conscious of the decision and actions you are taking and being responsible for them rather than the things you cannot control? Isn’t it better to learn how to surf rather than try to blame or stop the waves?
As a simple example, when you are feeling frustrated because you can’t go out with your friends, reframe your thinking with a conscious decision :-
> I can’t go out but we can still meet online and have a good chat and a giggle,
> I can’t go out but at least I am saving money for a lovely holiday when this over
> I can’t go out but I can focus on reading that book, listening to a podcast, reading with the children etc.
And next time you hear yourself say “He makes me really angry” think to yourself and answer yourself:-
> In what way did I influence his behaviour?
> What actions can I take to avoid this anger?
> What am I learning NOW about how I can do things BETTER in the future?
Where do you live most of your life? Are you living your life At Cause or more often At Effect? Are you blaming and trying to stop the waves or are you learning how to surf?
If you are wondering how to create your own results or how to achieve the success you are seeking, as Your Catalyst For Change I can guide you on your journey of discovery and realisation and I can help you master the surf and the Ally-Oop and avoid the Wipe Out!
Are you ready to master the surf and the Ally-Oop, then please contact me for a free consultation to find out how I can help.
I’m Tracy and I’m more than just a coach, I’m Your Catalyst for Change!
Tracy, Your Catalyst for Change
Call me today on 07443 634722 or to email me click here
