What defines a great quality of life to you?
When I ask my clients, I get answers like the following:
- Harmonious relationships
- Financial independence
- Having everything you need and a lot of what you want
- Peace of mind and serenity
These are all attainable!
What most people don’t recognize is that they are putting up destructive roadblocks that get in the way of creating that quality of life that we desire.
These roadblocks are TOXIC EMOTIONS
What are toxic emotions? Here are a few examples
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Frustration
- Resentment/bitterness
- Anger/rage
- Jealousy
- Envy
- Guilt
- Drama
TOXIC emotions have a hugely negative effect. They can:
- Weaken our spirits
- Distract us from our goal paths
- Cause more negative thoughts and body language
- Even cause depression
Where do toxic emotions come from?
These emotions are produced BY US – created by thoughts in our own head.
They do not rub off on us from someone or something.
It is true that they may be triggered by other people or events, but the emotions themselves are created by our thoughts.
Don’t believe me?
Here’s an example.
2 speakers are preparing to go on stage to deliver a presentation.
One is worried about forgetting his speech or having the audience react poorly to his material. He’s feeling anxious and fearful.
The other is thinking about sharing powerful information and imagining smiling faces in the crowd and applause at the end. She’s feeling excited and energized.
They are both facing the exact same circumstances, but only one is experiencing toxic emotions.
Can you see how those toxic emotions are degrading his quality of life?
So, the question becomes
How do we prevent and/or deal with toxic emotions when they arise?
Everyone has their own formula for this, but my action steps are:
- Acknowledge them – do not suppress them
- Recognize that they are merely thoughts created in your mind, thus you can CHANGE those thoughts
- Don’t dwell on things you cannot control, especially the PAST
- Recognize that we are not in control of much in life and thus we have no control over many of the triggers.
- Develop the mindset that you will not let negative emotions control your thoughts, practice using a mantra like – “not this time”
- Think of things that you enjoy
- Think of things you are grateful for – make a gratitude list
- Implement the Serenity Method
Happiness is the absence of toxic emotions
I like to say happiness is the absence of toxic emotions
Sadly, we are the culprit, and we create those toxic emotions with our own thoughts – putting up barriers to having a great quality of life.
The good news is that we can prevent toxic emotions from forming by developing and practicing a plan, like the one above that I use.
Life is too short with many fine aspects to enjoy, so we must not let toxic emotions control us.
If you’d like some support increasing your quality of life – consider getting a coach! You can learn more about coaching here or click the button below to book a complimentary call.
Feeling stressed out? Overwhelmed? Frustrated?
I wrote this little guide for my clients. It contains detailed instructions for the most powerful exercise I have in my toolkit.
I call it the Serenity Method and it has created the biggest breakthroughs with the business owners I've coached. Increased profitability. Increased productivity. And most importantly: increased peace of mind.
If you'd like a copy, enter your email address and I'll be happy to send it to you.