Here’s the progression:

• Our thoughts create mindsets
• Mindsets create attitudes
• Attitudes create actions.
• Actions stimulate reactions and responses!

So how you affect those around you, whether it be family or friends, all starts with your thoughts!

Stop and think for a moment about this scenario:

You get up in the morning feeling great.

You skip down the stairs whistling a merry tune and arrive at the kitchen with a big smile on your face.

But:

As you walk into the kitchen there is a distinct feeling of gloom in the air. Your brother is sitting at the table eating his cereal, but he does not look very happy. In fact, he had a fight with his girl friend the night before and he spent the night going over and over the scene in his mind. He is angry, but does not say anything.

Now how are you feeling? He does not want to speak with you and when you try to make conversation, he snaps at you and even tells you to “shut up”.

Now what happened to that good mood you were in?

The truth is it takes a strong mind to combat this kind of atmosphere which was created by the thoughts of the other person, and unless you have created the habit of a strong positive mindset, that great mood you had earlier will likely now have a cloud over it by now.

So just how CAN you combat these all too common situations?

Here are some suggestions. Would love to see you adding to these suggestions in the comments below:

1. Create the habit of deciding to maintain your mind focused on the positive.
2. Decide you will not be controlled by circumstances or atmospheres, but rather YOU will control them positively. You do this by not allowing any negative to drive your thoughts and consequently your emotions.
3. Decide that you will always give those around you room to develop and work their way through life’s challenges. This means there will be many things you won’t take to heart and get needlessly hurt over.

There are other things you can do – what are they? I look forward to hearing from you.

May All Your Relationships be Successful!