Your Focus Affects Your Attitude

Life is full of challenges and opportunities. Situations often can be complex, and they do not necessarily fit neatly into neat categories of positive or negative. Your perspective can greatly influence your response and memories of an event. How does this work?

Suppose a huge storm hits your home and knocks out the power and plumbing, but no people or animals are injured. Of course, the water and electricity must be restored and any damage must be repaired in order to return to normal. If the damage is extensive, you might have to find somewhere else to stay temporarily, or even to move to permanently.

If you tend to perceive life as problematic or even dangerous, this could be a huge disaster. You might be upset about all the time, energy, and money needed to restore everything to the way it was before the storm. You might lose sleep and feel irritable, worried, or fearful.

If you usually perceive life in a positive manner, the lack of electricity and running water could be experienced as a camping adventure. People pay good money to camp in places with no electricity or running water. The results of the storm might present an opportunity to let go of what you no longer need, and to get and keep only items that are necessary or important. You might feel excited about reorganizing your life in a manner that works better for you.

What you focus on is what has power over you. You can always change your focus and thoughts quickly. When the unexpected occurs, will you fret about a disaster or revel in the potential of new beginnings? If you need assistance in shifting your focus to a more positive perspective, please call me for an appointment at 512.687.3436.

~Linda Eldredge, Ed.D., Psychologist

www.drlindaeldredge.com

Tags: Focus, Perspective, Positive Change