Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Happiness is a choice


 

Two guys work on a garbage truck, side by side.  One says, “I hate my job.  The truck smells, the weather is hot, it is hard labor, and I have to wake up at the crack of dawn.”  The other says, “I love my job.  I am out in the fresh air all day, it keeps me in tip-top shape, the pay and benefits are great, and I get done with work early, every day.”

What’s the difference between these two guys?

Attitude

Now, if it were really that easy, we’d be living in a world of sunshine and lollipops. 

You see, we are influenced by our genes, our upbringing, our social circles and our experiences.  All those elements came together in a positive way to create Garbage Collector Number 2.  But it doesn’t mean Garbage Collector Number 1 can’t change.  He just has to want to change enough to work on it.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one method/theory used by therapists to insight change. This theory explores how a person thinks and why they think that way. Techniques like exposure therapy, role play, skills training, and thought records are used to uncover maladaptive thoughts.  Maladaptive thoughts are those that we learn over time that misdirect us in our pursuit of a happy, fulfilling life.  These are some of the techniques that are also used to re-train the client to interact and react more positively.  CBT may be an effective therapy to help clients make attitude changes.

There are many other psychological theories used to help clients make the changes they desire.  There are also thousands of self-help books, countless self-improvement seminars, and endless on-line trainings.  You just has to want it badly enough, research methods, and then give it the energy and time your cause deserves.  Just think about it – how long did it take to get here? Getting where you want will take time and effort, but it’s worth it.  

What’s the difference between a Jogger and a Runner?

Attitude