Dyas 79-82, March 13 - 16

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." -Socrates

 Today at work I asked my assistant what she thought of an idea I had. Her tone didn't seem very enthusiastic even though she said she thought it was a good idea. So I inquired further, and her response was something like this: I think it's a good idea, but so are several others you have had today. You need to get the squirrel out of your brain and focus and follow through on something.  I was not at all offended by her directness.  In fact, I appreciated it and the fact that she felt comfortable enough to share her thoughts. And she was absolutely right! I find being mindful SO healthy and refreshing when I practice it. But I am constantly amazed at how much of a struggle it is for me. When I read the Socrates quote above, I wondered to myself - HOW?  How do I quit fighting the old? According to an article I read in Psychology Today, I, and anyone trying to  focus, should do the following:

 Manage what you focus on. Pay attention to your attention, and stop yourself from getting on the wrong train of thought early, before it takes over. This is the opposite of being mindless: it's being mindful.

This is what I have been trying to do for 82 days now. I find some days are easier than others. I thought I might try some things from The Habit Change worksheet .   
I am going to write out a  plan and identify my triggers. I also think I'm trying to make too many changes at once. I have the next week off, so I thought I'd read back over my blog and identify what's worked in my mindful living journal, and what seems to be going on when I have struggles. Then I'll write down my plan. So "tune in" next week to see what my plan is!