Decisions
Every day we make hundreds or thousands of small decisions. We say "Yes" to some things, while we say "No" to others. Sometimes we think that those small decisions are not important and we feel that only the "big" decisions are worth noting. This is wrong.
Influence
We are known by the sum total of all of our decisions, not just the "big" ones. The smaller decisions actually influence the bigger decisions. And even though we might not like to see it, all of our decisions have impact. That impact may be on us - our health and well-being, our character, our finances, our career, and so on. The impact may be on others - our friends, family, and associates, who all have to deal with our decisions. That impact may be on our community and the economy - whether those decisions are to volunteer locally, or to shop at a certain store.
Is your conscious or subconscious in the driver's seat?
Given that our decisions have impact, shouldn't we all be using that influence to be a positive force in our lives? And if the answer to that is "Yes", doesn't that entail a committment to being conscious about our decisions? But aren't all decisions conscious, one might ask? The answer to that is, no.
Most of us make many of our decisions in a very unconscious fashion If you doubt that, then you must never have found yourself walking (or driving) to one place without thinking about it, when you had consciously intended to go somewhere else. Our subconscious serves us well when it stores information, which is easily accessible when needed. Information we don't need to store consciously, like how to ride a bicycle, is stored in our subconscious. The subconscious is like a recording loop. But it is not a great place to make an informed decision from, especially since much of our subconscious basic programming is completed by the time we are seven years of age And the programming does not come from ourselves but rather from society (through television and movies), school, and family. These may be things like gender differences or what success looks like. Most people never re-examine their subconscious beliefs AND they allow these beliefs to colour their decisions for the rest of their lives.
On the other hand, the conscious mind is the thinking part. It, along with the heart, is meant to be the source of all sound decision-making. If you have thought a decision through, examined it from all sides and reflected thoroughly about it, you have made a conscious decision.
Getting into alignment
All well and good, one might say, but I don't reflect about every decision. Nor should you have to, unless, you have a subconscious pattern that is giving you trouble
Taking a step back and reviewing your own pattern of decision-making will help to give you some insight on what you are saying "Yes" and "No" to. For example, many people believe t.hat they are saying "Yes" to good health, yet they choose to eat or drink foods and beverages that do not promote good health. Others believe that they are good friends, yet they will gossip behind their friends' backs. Their view of themselves and their decisions are not in alignment. This can cause serious problems in many areas of life if left unchecked.
So, how do we get ourselves into alignment?
Here is a five-step plan to examine your subconscious beliefs in light of the decisions you make.
Step one: Take time to write down your beliefs and values. What are the things that you stand for? What is it you would like to be remembered for? Now find a safe place to store it and don't look at it until you have completed step two.
Step two: Now step back and be the observer for two to three weeks. Note what decisions you make. Record them but don't condemn yourself for them. Just observe and record.
Step three: Now co-ordinate your information. Do your actions support those things you claim as your values? Are there inconsistencies?
Step four: If the two are well co-ordinated, congratulations! As long as your beliefs are positive, you are headed in a good direction.
If not, then some alignment work is in order.
First, pick out decisions that are easiest to bring into alignment and begin there. Be conscious of when you might weaken on your resolve and elicit help if you need it. As you succeed with those, tackle the more difficult ones.
Step five: Look into how to work with your subconscious. Sometimes the fear or anger buried there, along with the patterns and programming are a real source of difficulty in aligning with your purpose but there are many ways of working to eliminate this programming.
Aftermath
After working things out over a period of two or more months - they say it takes a good 28 - 31 days to change a habit - you will find that your "Yes" and "No" will resonate better. You will feel more in control of yourself and your direction in life.
Then when you say "Yes" (or "No") it will have the impact, influence, and meaning you intended. That is worth the effort!