Often I work with clients that are incredibly talented at speaking negativity. When we first start working together it never ceases to amaze me how clients can put a negative spin on almost anything.

Teaching my clients to rephrase sentences in a positive way is often the first step to self improvement. Allowing yourself to work towards something positive rather than away from something negative.

One way to refocus your attention in a positive way is to consider first what will you gain from working towards and achieving your goal.

“I want to stop smoking” becomes “I’m going to be more healthy and smoke free”
“I want to loose 10lbs” becomes “In ten weeks I’ll be able to fit into my expensive jeans again”

This type of rephrasing takes time. Most people have been negatively phrasing things for years and it’s not possible to just flick a switch. Becoming aware of it is the first step, learning to rephrase is the second. Finally you’ll find it becomes automatic.

Practise makes perfect!