I’ve lost count of the TV and film versions of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol I’ve seen over the years. It’s a great story because it illustrates how each of us has the ability to change our mind-sets and thinking patterns and, in doing so, change our future and our lives.
Our mind-sets influence how we perceive ‘reality’ and how we think and behave. As Ebenezer Scrooge discovered it’s possible to change your mind-set and thinking …..
In the story, Scrooge is visited by three spirits - the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future who show him how past decisions have created his present and how the choices he makes in the present will affect his future.
Unlike Scrooge we don’t need the help of a Christmas Ghost to visit our past or future. We already spend much of our lives living in the past or looking into the future. For example:
- A person who is experiencing depression is spending too much time ruminating about the past and regretting the things they did or didn’t do. They also have a particular negative style of thinking that they use to explain the ways things happen to them.
- A person who is experiencing problematic anxiety is spending too much time imagining/thinking about the future and what could go wrong. They do a lot of negative ‘What if …’ thinking - imagining worst case scenarios.
When the Ghost of Christmas Future shows Scrooge his fate it’s a catalyst for change. Scrooge realises he needs to change some of his values, beliefs, and assumptions - i.e. his mind-set.
And his new and different way of thinking :
- creates different feelings that
- lead to different behaviours that
- lead to different experiences that
- lead to a different life.
Scrooge's decision to change his mind-set drives new positive behaviours that benefit him and those around him. In particular, he moves away from material and monetary greed.
He realises that life exists only in the present moment and that by making the right choices in the present moment he can create a better future for himself and others. As a consequence of changing his mind-set, his life becomes more rewarding and enjoyable.
“The past is history, the future’s a mystery but, the present is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.”
By focusing so much of our time and energy thinking about the past and/or the future, like Scrooge, we too rob ourselves of enjoying and appreciating the present moment. It is in the present moment we can make the conscious choice to change our mind-set and therefore our future.
Changing your mindset might sound difficult but, fortunately, there are lots of mindtools and techniques available to help you create the change you desire. Some are simple and easy to implement and some do require a little bit of practice.
Perhaps, like Scrooge, the most valuable present you can give yourself this Christmas is a mind-set change, one that creates a ‘ripple effect’ for you across 2019 and beyond.
I'm hoping to have the opportunity to watch Christmas Carol again this Xmas because it's as relevant today as it was when Dickens wrote it way back in 1843.
What Next?
Helping people to change for the better is my great passion. If you'd like to explore how I can help you change an unhelpful mind-set and/or thinking pattern - contact me today on 021 056 8389 or email me at tony@tycoaching.nz or use the Book Now button.
Thank you for your continued interest and support during 2018 – I hope you'll get the chance to relax and recharge your batteries over the next few weeks!
Go well
Tony
REMEMBER - "When you change your mind you change your life."
Tony helps individuals to harness the power of their mind to achieve success and well-being in life, work and business. Tony's particular area of expertise lies in helping people to 'change their minds' so they gain freedom from worry, anxiety and stress, overcome limiting beliefs and unhelpful habits. Tony’s solution focused approach to coaching uses a range of techniques drawn from the fields of solution focused coaching, neuroscience, positive psychology and clinical hypnosis.
