In last week’s post I talked about the fact that others can make you a target, but only you can choose to be a victim. The question that often comes up then is, “Ok. I am going to choose not to be a victim. Now what? How do I move forward?” Good questions. A good place to start is by Acting As If, which I wrote about last year.
In Principles of Psychology (published in 1890), William James, who some describe as the father of modern psychology, wrote about the importance of ‘acting as if’. James said, “If you want a quality, act as if you already have it.”
Philosopher, self help author and motivational speaker Wayne Dyer echoes these sentiments when he encouraged and challenged people with these words:
“Imagine your ideal self. Your greatest most magnificent version of yourself. Then imagine how that ideal version of you would be thinking and acting at this moment. Act as if you are that person.”
In his book The Power of Positive Deviance, Jerry Sternin reminds us that it's easier to act your way into a new way of thinking, than to think your way into a new way of acting.
And in his powerful book Resilience Eric Greitens (Rhodes Scholar, humanitarian, former Navy Seal) gives his friend who is battling PTSD this advice:
“Remember these three words: Identity, Action and Feelings.
If you want to feel differently, act differently.”
Richard Wiseman, a Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom, covers the wide body of research which supports this philosophy in his book The As If Principle: The Radically New Approach to Changing Your Life.
So.
What qualities are you striving for?
Who do you want to become?
How do you want to feel?
How would the ideal version of you be thinking and acting?
What’s Important Now? Act As If and act your way into a new way of thinking and feeling.
Take care.
Brian Willis
www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com
www.winningmindtraining.com
Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
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