The Downward Spirals Of Life - Top Ten Steps For Freeing Ourselves From

Some people call them vicious circles or cycles. I prefer to think of them as downward spirals of life. Those periods that we can all become trapped in like the whirlpool of water as it drains from the tub. If we're not careful and mindful these downward spirals can suck the life right out of us. Here are a few simple and effective steps you can use to free yourself of such life sucking periods.

1. NOTICE THE SPIRAL YOU'RE IN. As is so often true, awareness is the first step to intervention. Much of the power of a downward spiral comes from our continuing to be unaware of the direction of our life. Like a whirlpool, a downward spiral's power picks up strength and speed the longer we're in it; so it follows that the sooner we become aware we are trapped in a downward spiral, the easier it will be to change the direction of our life. It's often helpful to remember a downward spiral reversed becomes a spiral of fulfillment.

2. ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE FULLY PRESENT TO YOUR LIFE. When you first notice you're in a downward spiral, the tendency is to quickly react in an effort to free yourself. This initial reaction is often based in fear and may only exacerbate the spiral. Instead, take time to notice what is happening from a detached position. Witness your life by stepping outside of it for awhile. One simple way to do this is to imagine you are in a movie theater reviewing the "Story of My Life" movie. Watch and Observe.

3. CONSCIOUSLY RELEASE THE THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS. As you begin to "Dismantle" the downward spiral, be sure you release and let go of the disempowering thoughts and emotions. You might envision a large bottomless trash can in front of you into which you toss each thought and each emotion attached to the thought or you can write it all down then burn the paper, thus releasing their hold on you.

4. RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO INDULGE. Don't get sucked into the drama of the movie. There's no point to watching the movie over and over. This will only suck you further down the spiral. Observe and Move On.

5. COMMIT TO CHANGING DIRECTIONS. Make a conscious choice to change the direction of your spiral. You may write down your choice as a declaration or share it with a friend, loved one or your coach. Draw a line in the sand.

6. KNOW THE MAKE UP OF A DOWNWARD SPIRAL. Knowing the basic elements that are the composition of a downward spiral will make it easier to change its directions. Downward spirals are composed of "molecules of meaning" which can be further broken down to fear, and lack based thoughts and emotions. This includes such things as doubt, worry, "shoulding" on yourself, jealousy, anger, fear, frustration, etc. All of these come together to effect who you think you are (i.e., loser, failure, unlovable, etc.) which then determines the actions you take and what you say out loud to yourself. All of which then determines what you have, as in the results with which you measure your life.

7. USE THE LAW OF ATTRACTION TO CHANGE THE SPIRAL'S DIRECTION. The Law of Attraction states that "like attracts like." So just like fear and lack based thoughts will attract more similar thoughts, the same is true of love and abundance based thoughts. By changing your thoughts and your emotions you change the direction of the downward spiral.

8. PRACTICE PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE. Remember you didn't get into the downward spiral overnight, so don't expect reversing direction to take place in an instance. Just as it takes time to stop a car and put it into reverse, it will take time before you'll see the evidence that your downward spiral has become a spiral of fulfillment. In the mean time continue to affirm and trust that it is so.

9. BEGIN TO GATHER EVIDENCE FOR THE TURNAROUND. As you continue the turnaround process begin to look for physical evidence that the process is working. Start with the mindset that the evidence is there already and your job is to find it like a detector, rather than wondering whether there is any or not.

10. DEBRIEF, DECLARE THE ACCOMPLISHMENT, AND CELEBRATE. At some point you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the turnaround is complete. Before moving on take a few minutes to acknowledge what you've learned from the experience, declare to yourself the accomplishment and celebrate it. You've made major progress along your purposeful path. "Celebrate, Celebrate. Dance to the Music."

©2005 Brad Swift of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc.

This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this resource box are included.

Dr. Brad Swift founded Life On Purpose Institute in 1996 with the vision of creating a World On Purpose by assisting people like yourself to clarify their life purpose & live true to it. Determine how on or off purpose your life is with the fun & insightful Self Test at: http://lifeonpurpose.com/_forms/se lf-test.php?source=ezart Inspire yourself with a fr.ee subscription to Purposeful Pondering Ezine: http://lifeonpurpose.com/inde x.php?dir=_ezines&task=view-ezines

---

Ten Terrific Self Motivating Tips

No one can motivate anyone to do anything. All a... Read More

Do It Now!

"At the end of our lives we never regret at... Read More

How to Stay Motivated Day In and Day Out

Staying motivated requires a daily ritual.In other words, motivation is... Read More

How Self-Made Millionaires Overcome Procrastination

Do you want to know how the super successful overcome... Read More

Self Determination - Making the Most Out of You

Breaking the mold of being a child is difficult. The... Read More

7 Steps to a New Life Overseas

Research shows that at any one time more than half... Read More

The Ripple Effect: Small Steps Lead to Big Results

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not... Read More

The New Morality

In a world where dynamism alters egos and principles in... Read More

Curing the Blues - 14 Feel-Good Ways to Get Out of the Dumps

Everyone goes through that "in the blues" feeling once in... Read More

The Art Of Using Effectively A Motivational Quote

--Choose a motivational quote related to your goal. Don't have... Read More

What Being Vs Doing Really Means

So often we hear about "being" rather than "doing." Often... Read More

Getting Out of a Rut

Are you feeling bored or restless? Do you need to... Read More

I Give Up! How to NOT Say Those Words!

Boy, I tell you....it seems the world is just going... Read More

Your Life Story: Whatcha Gonna Do? Write Your Life Story NOW before Its Too Late!

Imagine this scene: Project yourself into the future. You are... Read More

Boost Your Bottom Line by Asking Powerful Questions

"He who asks questions cannot avoid the answers." -African ProverbPowerful... Read More

The Day Your Life Will Change for Good!

Many people long for a better life. In fact, I... Read More

Heres How Tiger, Oprah, And Spielberg Stay Motivated

I want to share with you a powerful principle that... Read More

How to Use Discouragement to Motivate Yourself

Ever feel like giving up? Do you ever feel so... Read More

Are You the Motivator

We're all aware of how important teamwork is and how... Read More

7 SECRETS To A Great Life

A great life doesn't happen by accident. A great life... Read More

8 Super Ways To Avoid Procrastination

We are all guilty of delaying what needs to be... Read More

Who Is Stuart Goldsmith?

'Stuart Goldsmith? Who is Stuart Goldsmith?' you may be asking.I... Read More

Top 10 Tips For The Best Year of Your Life!

We typically think of New Year's as the time to... Read More

Miracles are Your Responsibility

Miracles are your responsibility! What does that mean? Simple...You have... Read More

Bold Action: Living in the Moment

Reality show audition...I did it!What an experience, a day and... Read More