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Be Selective

I want to keep this post short, as I think it will be a catalyst for future posts.
I'm very aware that thoughts have a powerful, sometimes long lasting, effect on how I go through each day. It's been a recent goal to guard against letting negative thinking dominate my headspace. I believe a large percentage of our perceived reality is the result of our past experiences, our environment, and the information we are exposed to on a regular basis.
  1. Images - television, social media feeds, magazines, etc. These mediums all provide images that your brain will constantly revert back to while processing information. Often times this can happen in your unconscious brain. I want to be a little more aware of the images that I flood my brain with. More specifically, watching less television - or being selective with what I watch. I've always been pretty good at controlling my Facebook newsfeed, and don't use many other forms of social media.
  2. Who I surround myself with - this one is incredibly important. Your thoughts and actions can be influenced by the company you choose. Choose wisely.
  3. What I read - as it relates to this "blournal", I've routinely read other financial blogs each day. This helps me focus my motivation and stay on track by generating positive thoughts. Reading success stories and about other individual's goals helps me stay focused with what I'm trying to achieve. Similar to television, be selective with what you read. I've seen blogs where the author is tracking their $750,000 net worth, and while it can be motivating, reading that too often can get frustrating because my goals are not at that point. I see this a lot with people who are trying to improve their health. They set off to be healthier, but they flood their brain with "fitspiration" photos of elite athletes and fitness models. It can begin as motivation, but can turn to a feeling of "I'll never get there, so what's the point?".
Be selective with your daily stimulus. The people you let into your life. The content you choose to consume. It can significantly impact your daily choices, and ultimately the life you experience. 


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