I recently started wearing a purple bracelet (like the Lance Armstrong ‘Livestrong’ bracelets). This one though is to raise my own awareness about complaining - it is called ‘A Complaint Free World (check it out here: A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted
My challenge to you (and myself): Think about the world in terms of the inverse of paranoia. Stan Dale’s version of this is, “I’ve always been the opposite of a paranoid. I operate as if everyone is part of a plot to enhance my well-being.” What an incredible way to move through the world - what would your day look like if you connected the dots through your life by seeing the way things are coming together for you and supporting your goals and dreams.
Give it a try: check out A Complaint Free World
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Matt,
Thank you so much for this post. I wholeheartedly accept this challenge and ask you to let me know the best way to follow up.
I really like the idea of avoid complaints and gossip. This bad habit of mine actually makes me feel good momentarily. In the long-term it simply destroys relationships and the image of those complained about. Reverse this negativity is a better way to view people, the world and myself.
I truly appreciate you putting this great information out to us. I’d like to hear more about the book that you have cited. I’m very selective in my reading because it takes me forever to finish a book. I am all ears to hearing more about it though.
Let’s chat soon.
Wil
This is a particularly fascinating challenge, it scares me and makes me move towards it all at the same time. Thanks for the link and the thought Matt. Reminds me of a silly book by Rob Brezney called “Pronoia, the Antidote for Paranoia” and subtitled “how the whole world is conspiring to shower you with blessings”. Here’s a cheer to the universe! -Stacey
I really appreciate your challenge and the awareness that you are trying to cultivate.
I think the biggest lesson to learn from a challenge like this is mindfulness. We have a chance to become more conscious to how we fill our mind-space…and then what the resulting outcome may be.
I am on board.
I think the fastest way to stop complaining and gossiping is to have a near death experience or a chronically painful time that lasts months/years. When you come out of it, the world is completely different. What used to matter before doesn’t even get a second thought now. The irritating and annoying is irrelevant. This cured my deep rooted cynicism and judgment of others. More humble pie was served than I thought one could handle. You come out a different person, nobody recognizes you….not even yourself.