Kybosh the “Have Tos” – We carry with us a long list of things that we feel we ‘have to’ do rather than ‘want to’ do, making us perceive them as negative. Negative self-talk drains our energy. I believe that the only thing in life that we ‘have to’ do is die – the rest is a choice. With this in mind, we can choose what we do with our life and our time, so that we either want to do something, or we don’t have to do it. By changing our self-talk from saying, “I want to” rather than “I have to”, we can avoid negative emotions about the choices that we make, and have a more positive mindset.

For example, rather than saying, “I have to curb my spending habits”, change your words to “I want to curb my spending habits”. If you have made the choice to better your financial situation, then you obviously want to. Change your mind about how you accept your choices, and use positive self-talk as often as possible. Some other examples of positive self-talk are … “I want to be exercising more” or “I want to make healthier food choices”. Use this “want to” technique and you’ll feel good about your decisions, and motivate yourself to accomplish your goals.

“Love what you do, or don’t do it” ~ Barry Spilchuk

Music, Music, Music – Create a CD or gather a collection of songs that invigorate you, and keep them with you to play often. Whether in your car, on your i-POD, on your home stereo or wherever you have the chance, play your favourite tunes to lift your spirits. Singing, dancing, and mental music resonate positively with the chemicals in your brain and can help your attitude stay positive and motivated. While you’re feeling pumped and motivated, knock off an item on your to-do list, or simply store the energy for spending at a later time.

Plug The Drains – This internal housekeeping requires that you plug the energy drains in your life. What’s draining you? Is it that closet at the front door that needs some organization, or is it the phone call to a relative that you have been meaning to get around to? Maybe it’s the conversation that you need to have to resolve a conflict with someone and clear your mind? Unfinished mental business drains our energy. Writing things on a to-do list is a great start, as it clears the mind. “Let paper remember so that you can forget.” are words of Zig Ziglar, famous motivator on the subject of success. Acting on the list and checking things off one-by-one will give you a sense of peace and satisfaction, and will help you build momentum for plugging the other drains in your life that are sucking your energy.

Look On The Bright Side – See yourself as the fantastic being that you are, rather than the flaws that you wish could be changed. Your perception of your self is the most powerful influence in your life. Ensure that what you say to yourself is positive and uplifting. For example, instead of saying to yourself, “I can’t do this”, change your thoughts to “I am going to make this work”. You deserve to be treated well, so start today by appreciating who you are, and build your inventory of strengths and abilities by recognizing them and using positive words about yourself.

A Gift of the Present – An awareness of living in the moment can free us from the battle scars of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow. Spring-clean your mind to free yourself from the past mistakes and heartbreaks that you cannot change. Wash away worries of tomorrow and the future, and focus on life in the present. Experience life where you are, while you are living it. This increases our zest for life, our appreciation for the moment, our spontaneity, our joy and contentment. We don’t plant a garden in the Spring only to plow it all under in the Fall. We clear our mind to be able to enjoy the things in life worth enjoying.

Fitness, Fresh Air and Sunshine – Now that Spring is here and our clocks have sprung ahead there is more daylight, and with it comes a pleasant climate for outdoor activity. Trade an inside job for some fun. For example, trade washing the floor in the entrance way (again) for a game of road hockey with the kids J. Outdoor activity will leave you feeling rejuvenated by the exercise, the increased oxygen level, and the fun. Your body will benefit from the sun’s vitamin D that will assist your bones, muscles, heart, and immune system. You can’t get all that much benefit and satisfaction from scrubbing a floor now can you?

Spring is a time for cleansing, new life, and growth. Make it your opportunity for positive change by clearing the mental clutter and making way for fresh thoughts.

“There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second.” ~ Logan Pearsall Smith