Ok, I start here because this Blog is about Growth, Personal Growth and Growth Mindset and becoming some greater version of ourselves than we currently are, but that requires Change. Unfortunately, there are ALLLLL sorts of hurdles to creating lasting change in our lives. Why? Because our nervous systems seek safety, until we train it to do otherwise. Our patterns of what is safe/not safe is woven into our nervous systems from young ages, making it sometimes very hard to alter. Stacking up a new Cairn for our lives, and stacking our priorities differently requires awareness of what’s amiss, reflection to see ways forward, and sometimes requires us experiencing something “life-altering” to get our systems “unsettled” again, broken out of those locked in patterns that eventually feel like cages we feel stuck into. So it’s best to start here with HOW to change. Let’s get you some HOPE first that change is possible, and offer some WAYS it’s possible in this 4 Part series…

When setting an intention to change something or when stepping into a new vision of ourselves, we often default to words, like writing words on a post-it note and plastering it on our mirrors. While this sounds great, it does NOT work. Why? Because the brain doesn’t “think” in language always, and especially not for HSP people like me (Take the quiz to see if you might have an HSP brain type HERE). While this blog and the information I share can/will help anyone, it especially helps an HSP brain who enjoys detail, context, explanation, depth of reasoning. So that’s what you’ll find here. A 4 Part series of a plethora of options of Aids to help you actually create the change it is you’re wanting to see happen.

2 THINGS TO AVOID

Two quick words of caution about Change Aids: Avoid the most common ones like plastering sticky-notes all over the place, and avoid Language-based ones like Mantras or makinG Lists. Post-its or Lists are great for Task-management, but not for Pattern-changing or Behavior-changing. Because behavior is being decided subconciously, and sticky notes/words are not impacting the largest/oldest areas. Those common “tips” also invite others who see the notes to pry: “What are you trying to remember? What are you trying to change?” They simply tend to backfire, and/or they are the “Level 101” suggestions. If you want to try using Mantras, at least have it also be used in combination with a body gesture, on a slow inhale for example. Using a greater number of areas of the brain will bring about change faster.

Instead I wish to offer you a more robust, helpful list of Prompts to aid you in your goal of reminding yourself of something you want to keep top-of-mind throughout your day.

Of course there’s nothing new under the sun, and many people have found through the centuries that various talismans or tokens are helpful. The key is reverse-engineering YOUR patterns to figure out what might work best for YOUR SITUATION. In part 1 of this series, we’ll cover the “Tangible” or “Physical” cues you can use, since some may be obvious, some not.

Wearable Items:

Bracelets, necklaces, rings or other wearables can be used as reminders, especially if you like to change them out daily. You can choose an item with a particular color, or symbolic shape that somehow represents your goal. Here are a couple examples I’ve used in the past, one i even had engraved to remind me of a personal goal I was working on.

Pocket Reminders:

Pebbles, Worry Stones or Crystals: Whether you believe in any additional “metaphysical” properties that may also aid you to focus upon your desire/intention, or not, many people like to use pebbles, stones and crystals to serve as reminders. They are excellent reminders if you are the type to already carry coins in your pockets, keys in your pockets, or keep your hands in your pockets regularly. You can choose a stone that is associated with the qualities or intentions you’re trying to cultivate, or just if the color reminds you of something that you associate with the change.

Keychains!

Speaking of Keys, you can attach a small token or charm to your keychain that represents your goal. Every time you reach for your keys, you’ll be reminded of your intention. This is espcially true if the item is shiny, or colorful, or has a unique texture that catches your attention. The idea is to break engrained/automatic habits, integrated into everyday use, so anything that catches your attention can work! Once I used a wine cork with great success to remind me to stay light-hearted during a heavy time of trials I was facing! I’ve even seen these burnt/engraved with a word or phrase that encapsulates the intention.

Long-term, Repetitive Items:

Consider creating customized items like tote-bags, journals, or printable wall art that has a message or picture that holds meaning to you. These can serve as constant reminders in your daily environment.

Mugs!

Within that category of long-term items, mugs are my absolute favorites! I can’t help it. I just LOVE mugs! There’s something so amazing about artwork that you can actually use, and do something as mundane as drink from! It’s SO satisfying to me! Since I work from home and I can select whatever mug I want to for that particular day, I utilize my love of mugs for this purpose regularly. Sometimes it’s just a small symbol to me, like, if I didn’t sleep, I’ll pick a “peppy” or “bright’ mug to perk up my energy. Or if I didn’t sleep well for a good cause like caring for my mother who has cancer, then I’ll pick a “Sloth” type mug to let me off-the-hook and allow me to just hang-in-there and go with the flow of the day ahead.

While I sell mugs inside my CML Shop that I have designed, I also love, love, love handmade ceramic mugs! Here’s a pic of part of my collection. LOL…I laugh b/c I remembered it’s pic that got taken one day by one of my boys when he was sick of having to put away SO many mugs from the dishwasher that he gently chided me about it and told me to stop buying so many mugs 😀

In Summary

The key is to choose a talisman or token that resonates with you PERSONALLY, and symbolizes your commitment to the behavior change you want to achieve. Having this physical reminder can help reinforce your intention and keep you focused on your goals. In the next series I’ll cover other ways, without any expense or time-investment that can aid you in reminding yourself what’s important to you during this chapter of you life. If you enjoyed this, or if it didn’t have an idea that resonated with you, maybe CLICK HERE for that next category of Change Aids in the series…