How many times have we felt like what Deanna described as being “between successes?” Wow, that truly resonated. Just living life day to day is such an enriching opportunity for growth. As I reflected on the thousands of choices that present themselves each day, it hit me that it’s extremely difficult to be “mindful” when my “mind is full.”
There’s a simple exercise to estimate just how clogged with thoughts a mind can be. Find a quiet space, get a pad and pencil, set the time or the stopwatch function on your phone for one minute, press start, and jot down every thought that runs through your mind in the next 60 seconds. (Even thinking “I’m not thinking of anything” or “This is silly” are thoughts.)
When the time dings, count the number of thoughts you tallied. Then, multiply them by 960 (the number of minutes in the roughly 16 hours a day that I’m not sleeping). I marked down 12 thoughts in that minute, multiplied by 960. It turns out that, on an average day, I have around 11,520 thoughts! No wonder my brain feels tired sometimes. It’s a busy place.
This led me to think about how to simplify the process. Change requires focus, and it’s a challenge to hone in on something new when my mind is already full. When I’ve tried to make several changes at the same time, I’ve felt overwhelmed. Now I can see why this might have happened. This insight gives me new hope and a different strategy.
My plan is to decide at the beginning of each day what one change I’ll attempt that aids in my healthy life journey. At end of the day, I’ll reflect on how things went, learn what I can, and put it to rest for the night. Tomorrow, I’ll decide what I most need to address. It may be a repeat of yesterday or something totally different. But one thing at a time, one day at a time, one step at a time — I will get there. Everything doesn’t have to be done at once.
What’s the target you would like to focus on tomorrow?
Learning as I go, Barb
By I. Clara Jasper April 8, 2022
Barb, Your advise is very sound. Would you please do a message regarding “being tired of keeping track.” I’ve been a KOPS member for five years and I just need some thoughts on how to keep going. What do you tell yourself? Words of wisdom, please.
Clara
By Heather McLean March 30, 2022
Hi Barb~~
Another great article! I was chuckling because I really have to clean up my workspace before I can work at whatever project it is!
I have always been like that. SO clearing out your mind to focus makes sense to me for sure!
I am not sure what happened to my mind on Jan 1st but I REALLY had let my weight get out of control and needed to lose because I have an upcoming heart surgery. And I aslo developed a hip problem so both health issues would certainly benefit from Weight Loss
Even with those two things cluttering my head~~THIS TIME ( I tried multiple other times) I have been able to drop 23 pounds since Jan 1st. I would love to clear my mind to keep on track BUT I think I found the solution ( for me anyway )~~
I started tracking every day what I ate and I started experimenting with new recipes! What I found was~~keeping my mind busy with these 2 things pushed out other silly stupid unnecessary and unproductive thoughts.
Keep up the great work Barb~~I really LOVE your wit and wisdom every Monday.
Heather Mclean
By Ruth Singers March 29, 2022
Thank you Barb I have found out that I am a type A person and I hope that this exercise will slow me down a bir
By Janice March 29, 2022
Very good advice. We just need to simplify out weight loss.
Baby Steps.
Thanks,
By Janet Long March 28, 2022
Very good ideas Barb. Hadn”t thought of getting things done that way.
By Shirley Renaud March 28, 2022
My target for tomorrow is to breathe…just breathe.♥
By Karen Tinlin March 28, 2022
Awesome advice….and I love the exercise! Even though I’m aware my mind is much too full, it’s a real eye opener to see a total of one days thoughts.
By Mary Beth Bergstrom March 28, 2022
Great Idea. Barb.
By Gina Brueske March 28, 2022
Very interesting exercise to do. What a fun project. Thanks. Enjoyed this post.
By Virginia March 28, 2022
Good advice.Thank you.