Hi Chris,
Let me ask you…
Can you become addicted to negative thoughts and stress?
I heard that in a podcast and it hit me. Why do you think this can happen?
Signed,
Tied up in knots
~~~~~~~~~~
Tied up in knots…my answer is…
HELL YES!
Sorry to yell…I just wanted to be sure I made the point. 🙂
Now let me say this…
Using the word “addicted” could bother some people who may associate this word with drugs, alcohol, etc. To them, I wish you the companionship that guides you to wholeness.
To you, I’d say that this “willingness” to get comfortable with negative thoughts and stress…is a choice.
The why and how it happens?
Well, let me give you a personal example.
I was recently given the opportunity to manage a program at work. Medium to large size program. I’m no stranger to managing large or even “global” programs, so this was not going to be tough for me.
Well, I started doing so well with it that I was given another on top of it. Again, not new for me…I’ve had a lot of incredible opportunities in my career.
However…I started thinking…
There are TWO of us managing similar programs, however the other person is a higher level than I am. That’s never bothered me because I’m good at what I do and enjoy this kind of leadership position.
But again…I started thinking…
Now in my head, I’m saying I have to do this as well if not better than my co-worker. I have to manage this thing (and the other), without dropping any balls. They aren’t actively managing THEIR two programs, choosing to focus on delivering one quickly.
I’m managing my two in parallel.
Negative thoughts and stress kicked in, like nobody’s business. And I was stuck in this negative thinking and stressful spiral for about 2 weeks. At one point, I asked myself, “are you enjoying this pain Chris?”
(Remember, I liked being in leadership positions, so I stupidly thought, this comes with the territory.)
Finally, I wised up and called it quits! I took a day off and had a talk with myself.
- Who do you think you are?
- Have you forgotten what this is all about?
- Don’t you remember how badass you truly are?
Yeah, I give myself pep talks like that occasionally….smile
Needless to say, I got my head on straight and answered those questions.
Who do I think I am? Talented and experienced, that’s who.
Have I forgotten what this is all about? I did and now I remember. It’s just a freaking job with a paycheck that allows me to run a really cool side business.
Don’t you remember how badass you truly are? You’re damn skippy I do! I am steeped in “badass-ness” all day, every day.
So you see, tied up in knots, you can get stuck in that cycle of negative thoughts and stress. You may even think it’s what you’re supposed to do.
However…
You just have to be willing to look at it for what it is.
It’s an opportunity to untie the knots and remember who you are and what you’re really capable of.
You can do this.
How do I know?
Asking was the first step…
Thank you.
~ Let life love you!
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