3 Steps to Reverse Your Inner Critic and Replace it with Gratitude

Today we're going to focus on things that uplift and inspire you, but first we need to tackle one thing that occurs often and can have the opposite effect if you’re not careful: complaining.

“We tend to think that being unhappy leads people to complain, but it is truer to say that complaining leads to people becoming unhappy.”

~Dennis Prager

Complaining keeps us locked in a cycle of negativity. When we complain, we are buying into an ego-driven story that centers on how any event affects ‘me.’

So how do we circumvent this nasty habit?

Acknowledge it. And re-direct your thoughts! Let me repeat in a more positive direction…Redirect Your Thoughts to Gratitude!

Gratitude is an antidote to complaining. The lens of gratitude dissolves the ‘poor me’ perspective, shifting our focus to see the inherent good in things that we often complain about.

For the next 24 hours we challenge you to change your unhealthy habit. And replace it with gratitude in these 3 quick steps:

1. Replace complaining with appreciating.

If you catch yourself starting to complain, immediately give yourself a moment of appreciation. You are your largest critic, and only YOU can change that habit. Be kind always.

2. First thing in the morning: Think of 3 things you are Thankful for.

It's a new day so set the tone first thing. Don't get in the habit of starting that internal lists of what you should be doing, etc etc etc....

Change the habit and think of what you're happy for today in this moment.

3. Look for the positive.

Look for the positive: It can be looking at a stranger "maybe they have a cool hat on or nice hair." It can be a tough situation you have encountered that really sucked. Look for the positive when you're looking in the mirror instead of automatically looking at what you don't like.

Complaining is something we begin to do at an early age. Children are the best at it, however it takes continual practice to re-program your brain to replace the negative with positive. We dare you to try it for 24 hours.

Watch how your life changes. Remember: Complaining is draining, appreciating is invigorating.

The choice is yours.

With Love & Kindness,

Justin & Leah

Leah Scott & Justin Andrade founded Upgrade Your Joy. A program that educates you how to bring more joy in your relationship through small daily actions. They live in Carlsbad, CA. and are enjoying life one day at a time while educating others to do the same.

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