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Making Conscious Choices
By connecting decisions with a future larger goal, you can make decisions that make you feel more alive.
When we are able to see/feel/hear the causal connection between our action “in the moment” and what happens in the future as a result of our action now, we are more likely to act consciously. For example, “If I eat this today, I know in a week I will have a cold and be out from work, sick.” OR “If I say this, I create a groove in my mind and a belief that affects how I interact with people, and may hurt someone’s feelings.” The further away in time or chain of events the result, the harder it is to see the connection. With practice and by starting with the small and obvious, we grow our ability to know even distant connections.
Step Away from Immediate Gratification
Once we are able to see/feel/hear the connection between our immediate action and future results, we must be able to step back from our desire for immediate gratification. “But I really, really want this pizza NOW.” How do I get up from the table, instead? OR “I’m mad and want to say this NOW.” How do I stick to right speech? OR “I really want to buy this geegaw, NOW.” How do we keep our money in our pocket? In all cases, the question is “How do I choose the path that gets me the long-term results I want?” Everyone has a different answer. Notice when you are able to step away from immediate gratification. Write down what works for you. Do it more often.
Evaluate Your Underlying Emotions and Motivations
What if we are oblivious to what is right? Or we only think we’re right? How do we shift perspective so we DO see/hear/feel what is real? By asking ourselves questions about our underlying emotions and motivations, peeling away layers to discover new views of ourselves, and examining our views. The peeling and the examining help make our choices conscious. And there is always something new to discover, right here at home.
Suggested Action
Connect Your Decision to a Future Goal
Write down a decision you are trying to make. Write how it is connected to a future goal. Write what emotions and motivations are at play in your decision. Make a Pro and Con list for the decision. Take at least an hour before making that decision.
Listen to Audio of this Tip: 3Keys 2m36s
(Sometimes hearing the tip causes you to process it differently.)
- May 29, 2024
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