Prime Your Brain For Positivity

​I read this statistic on Jack Canfield’s blog that blew me away: 
 
“Researchers estimate that we think about 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts a day – and that about 80% of those thoughts are negative.” 

WHAT! That’s a mindblowing amount of negative self-talk. ​

If you’re going to live the life you are MEANT to live and that you DESERVE, it can’t be dragged down by all of that negativity and doubt. ​

 
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying:

• “They must think I’m _____”
• “I should be _____ by now.”
• “Why am I so _____.”
• “Why can’t I ever seem to ____.”

​
 
And filling in those blanks with something negative … then you have GOT to change the conversation happening in your head. ​

In my last blog, I shared a solid step-by-step strategy to help you shift that negative chatter into something that empowers you and helps you reach your goals.

Today, I want to teach you how to PRIME YOUR BRAIN to be more receptive to the positive messages you are sending it … and it’s backed by science!
 
Studies show you can “prime” your brain to be more open to feeling confident, positive, and make healthier choices – and physically alter your brain circuitry in a way that promotes more positive responses!  ​

Here are two things to try:
 
1.  Meditation 

In fact, you can notice a difference in brain circuitry after just 2 weeks of meditation!  

Compassion and kindness meditations are very impactful.  Many apps (like Headspace, Chopra or Calm) include these guided meditations, plus there are hundreds of them for free on YouTube.  

The calm app is my favorite because I like the sleep stories if I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep!

Guided meditations are my  favorite to start my day!  I love having a positive theme.
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2.  Explore WHY the positive messages are meaningful.

Think about why or how your health (or your body confidence) is meaningful for you.  Or why you want to be successful or more productive.
 
Why does it matter? How will it serve you, your family, your community? What will it help you do, be, or achieve?

• Some of my clients want better health so that they can be more active with their kids or grandkids.  
• Some want to be financially successful so that they can donate money to make a difference in their favorite causes. 
• Some want to be more productive so that they have more time for what they find meaningful, like family time, exercise, or "playtime."

 
Making that “meaningful” connection turns on the part of your brain that responds to health or lifestyle advice. That, in turn, can help you feel more proactive about taking action! ​

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Pairing these priming techniques with the shift in negative to positive self-talk will pack a 1-2 punch ... and negativity won’t stand a chance. 
 
This is incredibly POWERFUL if you apply it and take action.  It just takes a little practice. 

References:
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/08/positive-emotions-your-health

What's one specific action you could take today to prime your brain for positivity?  Please share in the comments below!