These small-but-mighty mindset tweaks will unlock a more magical life.
As I write this, Mercury is retrograde, which is a time of revising and revisiting.
But it’s never a bad time to rewrite your inner script.
Here are eight deceptively simple adjustments that will make all the difference.
Please take time with each of these. Meditate on them. Reflect on your inner monologue and get honest about the times and ways the old script has been present for you.
Then, read the new script. Smile. Feel as if the statement is already true for you.
Let it swish around in your mouth like wine. Try it on like a glittering gown.
Notice how it changes the way you feel. Imagine the ways it will embolden you, bless you, and shift your everyday experience of the world.
1.
Old Script: If I might fail at something, I shouldn’t try it.
New Script: Even if I fail, I’d like to give it a try.
Whether it’s applying for college, jumping on stage during an open mike night, or asking that cute person out on a date, trying will be an adventure.
Maybe you’ll like what you try, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll find it’s incredibly easy, or perhaps you’ll discover there are a few more steps required than you realized.
Whatever you learn in the process of trying, that information will be good to know.
And the only way to guarantee you won’t succeed is never to try at all.
2.
Old Script: I should exercise to look hot and shrink my body.
New Script: I love to exercise for fun and for the feeling of radiant well-being it gives me.
When you exercise to look hot, it sucks.
But when you exercise to exercise, and choose things you like, and do only as much as you feel like doing, it’s amazing.
You don’t push yourself until you’re miserable and you don’t measure yourself against photoshopped photos of anatomically unrealistic #bodygoals.
Plus you keep wanting to show up and do it all over again.
So what do you like to do? What do you feel like doing today? Do that. Then, when you feel like stopping, stop.
3.
Old Script: Taking care of my finances is stressful (or a drag).
New Script: Money management makes me feel powerful and free.
Bringing consciousness to your finances will inspire you.
Try it. Cultivate an awareness of where your money is coming from, where it is going, and your plans for making it grow.
You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just start where you are and do your best.
My book LITTLE GUIDE TO MONEY MAGIC will help you get started.
4.
Old Script: My hunger is a problem.
New Script: My hunger is a sure sign my body needs nourishment. I welcome the opportunity to feed it with wholesome and delicious food.
What if instead of always trying to eat less food, your goal was to eat plenty of super yummy, nourishing, and hearty food?
And what if you really tuned into your hunger and did your best to provide your body with exactly what it’s asking for?
And then, what if you savored your food and ate it mindfully?
I’ll tell you what: you’ll be happier and feel way more amazing.
(Contrary to the tired old narrative, the benefits of eating this way are backed up by science!)
5.
Old Script: Compared to _____, I am way too _____ and so not _____ enough.
New Script: Life is too short to endlessly compare myself to others.
It’s natural to compare yourself to others. But you can change that habit.
Next time you notice yourself comparing, see if you can let it go.
Life really is too short, and you have no idea what it’s like to be someone else anyway.
6.
Old Script: That person doesn’t like me. Or that person thinks [this or that negative thing] about me.
New Script: Unless they tell me, I have no idea what anyone thinks about me, so I’m just going to assume everyone loves me and thinks I’m great.
You’re not a mind reader! So if you’re going to assume something, why not assume something that makes you feel better rather than worse?
Also, what if you focused more on liking people (and setting boundaries with people as needed) and less on worrying whether or not those very same people like you?
I think you’ll find it’s a way better use of your energy. Try it and see.
Check out The Spiritual Author Academy
7.
Old Script: I will only improve when I constantly notice my own faults and punish myself for them.
New Script: Self-compassion and self-kindness will help me heal and grow.
The tough coach archetype is compelling.
You may have internalized that harshly critical voice, and you may believe that being mean to yourself is making you better.
Only thing is, it isn’t.
Research shows that being kind to yourself is what helps you learn.
8.
Old Script: If I can’t do something perfectly immediately, I shouldn’t do it at all.
New Script: Whenever I try something new, I expect a learning period.
Every great artist started out a terrible artist. Or at least not a great one.
And they stayed that way for a pretty long time.
But anyway, we don’t all need to be great artists (or ballroom dancers, or chefs).
Being okay at something can be incredibly enjoyable too.
Check out my new book, Radiant: Embracing Your Power and Beauty at Midlife
What do you think? Which scripts are you going to flip? One? A Few? Or all eight?
How has holding onto the old script worked for you? When and why did it begin?
Also please feel free to share any other scripts you have flipped, and what you have flipped them to.
I’ve been doing some of these things recently! A few months ago I started being mindful of electric-water usage and came up with a way to cut down on our bills. It added up to some extra pocket money. Even shopping for groceries was looking for sales and planning so no produce would be wasted, buying doubling up non perishable on sale. Walking as opposed to driving to grocery store with back pack to get veggies and fruits, basic light weight essentials. Breaking up my exercise into small segments as I cook, clean, limber up for walks and the day. Evenings also getting up to limber and wash and clean between watching shows. Incorporating feet massage and foot mobility with golf ball while watching movie with husband. Even my beauty self care is magical and practical. I learned how to get good quality asian skin care ordering it on line rather than pay department store prices. I learned to create my own night care oils and serums. My sensitive, acbe prone, enlarged pored middle aged face now looks firmer, more lifted and pores gone. My body stronger and I was able to do hills! My hair stronger and thicker and less shedding! All these unexpected benefits from eating at home, using the car less, using money saved for nutrition, walking, exercising in segments, doing everything with mindfulness, Like a snow ball effect it started with just trying, just doing, no expectations. So much has been gained from taking that first step. I still want to try more new things but don’t know what to try next.
Redhen, as usual, your comment is so inspiring! Thank you. Love it.