What are you practicing?

Have you ever thought about what you practice on a daily basis?

The more I think about it the more I realize how good I am at certain things because I practice them every day. For example, complaining about how cold I am in the winter time, putting on lip liner, cooking dinner, sorting through my mail, getting frustrated with my child because I didn't discipline the first time they disobeyed... I could think of more but I'm sure you don't want to hear everything I do - good and bad!!

What if we practiced the things that we wished we were good at? Maybe you wish you were more confident so you stop yourself from practicing negative talk and replace it with practicing positive talk. You might have to write the positive stuff down at first and read it aloud every time. Later, after you have practiced it a lot it will come easier.

Or, what if you wanted to be good at keeping your paper under control. First, you realize you have been practicing avoidance and piling. You need to plan how you are going to keep paper organized - set up a system - and then use it everyday. Practice using the system. Practice going through the paper every day. Practice making decisions about each piece of paper.

Or, lets say you want to be an encourager. Instead of immediately thinking about the things you don't like begin to practice focusing on one thing you do like and expressing it. Pretty soon you will start getting really good at it.

Like in sports, sometimes you might need professional lessons! Look at what you want to become good at and think about who might be able to assist you. Maybe hiring a professional organizer or a life coach or enlisting a friend that does this trait well will give you a fresh perspective, a boost, the skills and the accountability you need.

Now remember, you don't become a great tennis player or piano player after 2 lessons and practicing for two weeks. Especially if you have never played before. Some of us have been practicing the things we dislike for our entire life.

Give yourself time. Keep your focus on the goal. And practice, practice, practice...EVERY DAY.