My day was going well, until towards the end of the day, something happened that triggered a very bad response in my mind. Someone was doing something to a project of mine that one might believe to be subversive, rude and frankly speaking….VERY ANNOYING.
I was very much having a great day until this point. It was early evening. The weather was good. Work was fairly calm. Everything was great. Until this event happened.
For the next few hours, it seemed to consume my mind. I starting thinking about all the diabolical things this person could be plotting. All the potential worst-case scenarios. Things I didn’t do but should have to prevent the situation from happening in the first place.
I was mentally at war with myself …..all the while, trying to get work done.
I then decided to go for a long walk, get something to eat and get myself over the issue.
While out on my walk, a solution to the situation came to mind. It seemed so easy. I tried it out, and guess what, it worked!
1. Never doubt someone’s intention, only their actions.
Realize that now matter how diabolical or evil you think someone might be, they are acting out of a need for either love or connection. Therefore you can really never doubt someone’s intention, even if their actions weren’t the right ones. Internalizing this will completely change the way you react to other people. I focused on the person causing the issue…..and realized they really weren’t all that evil 
2. Find something positive in your current life to focus on
Think about something really positive that you have going for you. It could be anything. Really. Perhaps you had a good “hair day.” Perhaps you got a promotion. Perhaps your favorite flavor of ice cream was on sale at the grocery store. Perhaps your child made you laugh. You get the point. Think about this event. Get a clear picture of it in your mind and really feel the way you felt when it happened. Remember that feeling. For me, I focused on the fact that I am fit, healthy and have a lot of energy today.
3. Look forward to many more positive things happening in the future
Now, imagine all the positive things that you have to look forward to over the next 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 10 years and the rest of your life. Really stretch out all the positives. For me, I just thought about all the great people I will have the chance to meet over the coming years of my life.
Now notice how the little nagging thought will seem much less severe. It could even be gone, or perhaps have an entirely different effect on you. This whole process can take a little as 60 seconds. Try it out! It sure did work for me.
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