Above the line thinking
Have you ever thought to yourself that perhaps there are two schools of thought when it comes to thinking? Maybe even two different types of people?
When the shit hits the fan, how do you react? Do you react the same as your friend or a family member?
So for people, when there is stress… they can take a ‘blaming’ perspective…blaming others for what is going on for them. Others? They could jump straight to 100% responsibility.
So why the difference?
It’s got to do with the concept of above and below the line thinking.
Are you at cause or effect of what is happening to you?
This concept was fascinating to me when I started my coaching journey nearly ten years, and I had the image (see below) printed and laminated onto the side of my shower screen door. I would ask myself daily, am I at cause today? Or effect?
Looking at this image got me thinking. I would question myself and ‘try’ the thought that perhaps I could be at ’cause’ for the rest of the day.
Check out the diagram – are you thinking below the line? Are you at blame? Do you make excuses, procrastinate and judge? Or do you take responsibility, get results, take action or accept?
I know I would totally sit below the line. I was a great blamer and victim. Oh yes, I did it really well – until I realised that it was actually holding me back. It was keeping me stuck and in the past.
To be honest, I didn’t realise I had a choice to think above the line – but when I started working on myself…I realised I had the choice to change my thoughts. So I started. And that’s all you can do…is start.
Start by printing this off or using it as your new screensaver. Look at it often. Apply what’s on there – again and again.
When you are above the line – you act and create.
When you are below the line – you react and respond.
Don’t be passive in this life. Don’t allow things to ‘happen’ to you.
Create the life you want, why? Because you deserve it. You have the potential to achieve anything you put your mind to. How do I know this? Because I was in your position only a few years ago. And I decided to jump over the line and take action.
And if I can do this, so can you.
Emma x
