We could write a lot of wise conclusions about the above sentence.
However, from a very practical point of view, if we focus on what is missing, we will end up with a never-ending list of deficits that not only is depressing but as well is useless. Useless because with things we do not have we can do nothing.
There are as well more subtle aspects of focusing on what we do not have. One of them is that we programme our mind (to be more precise reticular activating system -the very old formation of the brain responsible for finding what we are focusing on) to constantly search for things that are missing – therefore we will see more of it (this is how this part of a brain works).
The worst aspect however is that this type of focus triggers “fight or flight response”.
This mode of functioning of a nervous system has one and one only purpose: to activate the speed and power of muscles that enables successful survival. The higher cognitive functions of a brain such as creativity, intelligence, association, planning etc. are limited sometimes to a minimum (as they are not important while running away or fighting with enemies). So, when we focus on what we are not, for all instances and purposes we are shooting our foot.
On the other hand, if we focus on what we are, what we have and what we can offer, even if it is very modest, we are focusing on what we really possess. This is the only thing that we can use and it is only down to our creativity how we use it. The paradoxical thing is that if we place our attention on our inner wealth, we as well open up access to our creativity. By this way, we create the right conditions for inner growth that helps us to become even more than we are today.
If we have a problem with focusing on what is missing the very practical remedy, we can use is exercising gratitude daily.
We can write down lists of our assets, blessings and positive qualities that we can be grateful for in a dedicated for that purpose diary. This way we will reprogram our reticular activating system and build a new powerful positive habit, that will be one of the important foundations of personal transformation. Simple and effective.
Tom Jagiello
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