HOW TO GIVE YOURSELF
Too terrified to use train ...until now
IT’S a new year and time for a new start. Whether it’s losing weight, quitting smoking, finding romance, there’s always something in our lives we want to change.
So why not make 2017 the year you change your life for good?
Remember, the barriers keeping you from success are in the mind.
Sometimes unmanaged thoughts adversely affect your energy and physical health. The connection between your brain and immune system is proven: not managing your thinking and beliefs is detrimental to health and wellbeing.
Through my “Mental Makeover” I can teach you how to think clearly without negative thoughts holding you back.
STEP ONE
By identifying your personality, we challenge any limiting thoughts. Which of these reflects you most?
Pleasers tend to be shy at heart and introvert. They have a tendency to be self-centred but are not selfish. They are also easily hurt, affected by emotions of those around them and take things far too seriously.
They often build up unrealistic hopes and end up dejected as reality sets in. They also usually have a good imagination, are naturally creative and often have a flair for one or more art forms.
Controllers spend most of their time fretting about their own lives rather than caring about others. Quirkily, they offset their recovery until it suits them – and even enjoy deferring pleasure. Two things that prey on their minds most are stability and long-term happiness.
Extremely extrovert, they need to be the centre of attention and crave attention. Bubbly, bright and exciting to be around, they push the boundaries through outrageous behaviour and language. Always up for a laugh, they will impress with their self-confidence but it’s usually just another part they are playing.
So, let’s find out which type you are. Look at each category and tick whatever relates to you: The Pleaser Do you have overeating issues? Do you get satisfaction from helping others? Do you overthink things? Do you, or did you ever, smoke? The Controller Do you like things tidy? Do you believe in the paranormal?
Do you have unlucky numbers and words etc? MIND guru Steve helped Jasmin Swayne overcome panic attacks which first struck at university when she was 20 and lonely.
For years she couldn’t walk up the high street without being sick, while public transport terrified her.
Jasmin, of Welwyn Garden City, Herts, says: “I’d feel completely numb. My legs would go, my heart race and I would be in total panic.
“I had no direction and lost confidence in myself.”
Steve made Jasmin re-evaluate her negative thoughts and, after using his strategies for two years, began to control the attacks.
She landed a job as a marketing co-ordinator and is finally feeling confident.
And for her 30th birthday last week she overcame one of her biggest challenges – getting on a train.
Jasmin adds: “It was huge for me. Steve’s technique helped so much.”
Do you check things over and over again? The Attention Seeker
Do you like to be the life and soul of the party? Do you like acting? Do you get emotional quickly? Are you a black and white thinker?
If you tick two or more under one personality, this is a steer to where you should focus and manage your thoughts. Remember, this is where you most limit yourself. So, if you were more: The pleaser (worrier): Focus on negative thoughts – like taking things to heart. Stop putting yourself down, being overly sensitive and blaming yourself. And say “no” more often. Above all, quit worrying!
The controller (obsessive): You need to stop obsessing, brooding about control and worrying about future events. Break irrational routines, try to refrain from being jealous and paranoid.
The attention seeker (catastrophiser): Focus on changing negative thoughts such as worrying, overreacting and blowing things out of proportion, seeking external validation, exaggerating and bending the truth.
STEP TWO
The FIT Exercise. This three-part process can by used by anybody suffering from negative or limiting thoughts. There are three very easy steps and they will quickly change the way you respond physiologically