Wishful Thinking Works: Create the life you really want

(This 818 word article will take you about 4.5 mintues to read; the benefits could last a lifetime.)

Wishful Thinking leads to growth and change, which usually involves a level of risk.   

Risk-tasking requires courage. 

And, as you may have read on my Wishful Thinking Works blog, my first reaction to taking risks usually involves a bit of fear. So, for many years, I have used a series of activities, which have allowed me to increase my courage and face my fears. 

The idea of combining the steps into a diet came to me after reading the book “The Joy Diet” by life coach and Oprah magazine columnist, Martha Beck.  I read “The Joy Diet” about eight years ago, and immediately started using it to create more joy in my life. 

Beck lists “Taking Risks” as the fifth step of her ten-step plan for finding joy.

She encourages us to take risks that make sense and are oriented in the direction we want to go. She has one warning: the risk must be scary. (That part was easy for me!) 

I hope the “Courage Diet” helps and encourages you, as much as it has guided and supported me. 

To get started, all you need is a pen and a piece of paper and the wish to change your life, even just a little. 

My Courage Diet

Step 1 

Begin by writing a list of all the brave or difficult-to-accomplish things you have done.

List every single challenge you have faced and every fear you have conquered. Remember, there was a time when tying your shoe, passing your driver’s test, and getting your first kiss, date, degree or job – seemed very, very scary. 

Try not to think, just write. Set a timer for 10 minutes – writing and creating a deadline are essential parts of the process. 

Then reread your list; fill-in any blanks; round-out the details and add any other brave acts that come to mind.  (You can keep adding forever!)

Each day, pick one item on the list to review and revisit.

Take a minute to fully picture the scene and to feel the memories and sensations it brings.

Sixty seconds of reminiscing can bring you a flush of positive feelings and a nice boost of courage.  (This part is really important so, please do it even if it seems silly.)

Step 2 

Think of the music that gets you going and in a great mood.

For me “Eye of the Tiger” is a sure winner no matter what I am trying to conquer (no laughing, please). Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” (no snickering either) and Kenny Loggins’ “This is It” got me through my undergrad degree; Alaniss Morisette kept me focused through relationship upheavals; classical music helped me with my Masters and Joe Cocker, Aretha Franklin and Iron & Wine’s “The Trapeze Swinger” kept me company in the Peace Corps. 

It’s your pick, your list, your music.

Now, put the music in a format that is easy to access and then, listen to it! Once, twice, three times a day – at home, in the car, running, walking, whatever it takes to keep you feeling motivated. (Shadow boxing in the shower is fully acceptable.) 

Step 3

Create a list of movies that have inspired you. Select movies based on real people, who have faced real challenges. People, who have stepped in and out of their comfort zones, and achieved their dreams.

“Rudy,” “Rocket Boys/October Sky,” “Cinderella Man,” “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” Life is Beautiful” and “Julie & Julia” are some of my favorites. 

Carve out time to watch these movies.

If you are short on movie-watching time go online to the Internet Movie Database or to the official site of the movie, or see if the movie’s trailer is on YouTube. If you already love a movie, reading about it or watching the trailer will bring all the good feelings associated with it back to you.

Replay the film in your mind, remembering the scenes, music, and characters that made it special to you. 

If you cannot think of a single inspiring movie, go to the American Film Institute’s “100 Years 100 Cheers” web site and download their list of the 100 most inspiring movies.

You can also watch free, short inspirational videos here.   

One of my favorites is here, because it includes ”Eye of the Tiger”.

Step 4

Make a list of books or stories that have inspired you. Don’t forget your childhood favorites. 

Read them again. If you are crunched for time, read the first and last chapters or your favorite passages, or even an online summary. It only takes a few minutes or a quick glance to bring back the memories and the meaning they held for you. 

Step 5

Repeat diet steps 1-4, as necessary.  Repetition does not imply defeat or failure in any way, but rather shows great bravery and resiliency for allowing yourself to face new and sometime scary life options. 

Step 6

Please add anything you want to the diet or change it in any way that makes you ready to take on the world. 

It is your diet now; go for it!