Ask Mark Ward

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Break the Cycle.

The greatest obstacle to the positive transformation of your life is not simply a lack of clarity about what you want; it is also an inability to find peace in your current circumstances. You have to want what you have to get what you want. Without it, whether you are conscious of it or not, your thoughts, energy, emotions, and attention are focused (at some level) on the discontent and misery of your present conditions. This will not only ensure and solidify your distress; it will guarantee its continuation. You are the cause as well as the effect.

If we wish to free ourselves from this ineffective paradigm, we must condition ourselves to break the cycle and reverse the paradigm. To that end, two daily disciplines are imperative to accelerated success no matter what the goal: Morning Meditation and the Gratitude Journal.

Morning Meditation. Turn off your phone and all outside distractions and spend 10-15 minutes each morning in meditation. There are a variety of types of meditation, so you need to find the one that is going to be the most effective for you. Take the time to indulge your curiosity and explore the available options. There are also several meditation apps available, which will provide you with the guidance and instruction that you may desire.

Gratitude Journal. Before you retire to bed in the evening, write down five things for which you are grateful that are specific to the day. Use phrases such as "I am so grateful that..." "I am thrilled that..." "I am thankful for..." etc...Be mindful to note specifics (so, rather than "I am grateful for my family," consider things such as "I am so grateful that Don cooked me a delicious pasta dinner.").

Success or sabotage? Success must be recognized before it can be accomplished. If we are always focused on what is "not," we will be unable to recognize success when it shows up.

Is this going to be an incredible day? Every day is incredible in some capacity. It is simply a matter of our willingness to recognize it.