Break this Habit and Transform Your Life
There is this little habit that we have. It is such a subtle habit that a lot of times we don’t even notice that it is there. We practice this daily in all kinds of circumstances and situations. We practice it with ourselves, our relationships, and our businesses.
Unfortunately, this little habit is not helpful to our lives. At best, this habit is detrimental to our enjoyment of life, and at worst it is totally destructive to our success and destiny. However, this habit makes us comfortable and helps us cope with daily situations that don’t turn out the way we desire.
Therefore, we cling tightly to this habit and have a hard time letting go, even though deep down most of us know that we need to break free. So what is this sneaky little habit?
This habit is “criticism.” I know this may not sound like the typical habits that we talk about. However, it is a habit. It is a learned behavior that we practice on a regular basis without even thinking about it.
“It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena. – Teddy Roosevelt
Here is a list of some of the things we criticize;
- Ourselves
- Ideas
- Other people
- Politicians
- Employees
- Bosses
- Circumstances
Criticism is destructive because it focuses on the negative and the obstacles rather than the positive and the opportunities. Life is full of opportunities, but we will miss them if we are focused on the negative.
Criticism fosters a victim mindset that traps us in our current circumstances. Criticism infiltrates the story in our head about the actions that people take and the things that happen around us. This negative story quickly turns us from an victor to a victim. And, a victim, has no power to transform their life and circumstances.
When we break the habit of criticism, we open the door for a different story to play in our our heads. This positive story that views even the challenges of life as opportunities, gives us the power and passion to be a victor.
[inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”@brianmininger” suffix=”#smallbusiness #smallbiz”]Criticism traps us in our circumstances and holds us back from taking action.[/inlinetweet]
Here are 6 steps to breaking the habit of criticism.
- Replace criticism with appreciation
- Have someone close to you hold you accountable
- Choose to speak positively
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Say 10 positive things about people each day
- Say thank you
When you leave the critic in the stands and move down into the arena you will be amazed at how fulfilling life can be. You can break this habit and change your life. I know you can do it.
[inlinetweet prefix=”” tweeter=”@brianmininger” suffix=”#appreciation”]Take a small step today and tell 5 people thank you.[/inlinetweet]
How do you keep criticism from controlling your tongue?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
- Brian
