This article is also available as a podcast if you prefer to listen.
In episode 2 of the podcast series and various LinkedIn posts, I mentioned the influence the book “The Power of Habit” had on my wellness journey. In the book, the author provides insights into how to change habits in individuals, companies, and cultures. After hearing the last part on cultures, I was inspired by how we all can change our current social media culture. Immediately upon returning home, I thought, “Let’s make kindness viral! Let’s infect the culture with love! Think before you speak or write! Click like for love. Hide posts that discourage.”
So immediately upon coming home, I started clicking like on every inspirational quote I could find on Facebook. Also, I wrote a whole bunch and joined inspirational Facebook pages such as Spreading Positivity. I kept it up over the next few weeks until my Facebook feed was flooded with positive messages! You really can make the algorithm work for you! And if enough of us, do it, like the Ice Bucket Challenge did to raise money for a worthy cause, we can collectively help change the culture from sarcasm and discord to kindness and positivity.
Because of my positive Facebook feed, I received the following image related to an acronym for thoughtful communication –
THINK. In addition, our Saturday Weight Watcher’s class was on self-kindness. Lastly, Facebook declared Saturday “Pay it Forward” day, asking us to show random acts of kindness. All three of these made me think that I should explain how I used the THINK acronym to help guide both my external dialogue and, more importantly, my internal one.
By using the THINK process, you can shape the running dialogue in your mind to inspire self-kindness and, in so doing, drive weight loss.
So, let’s impact the acronym with some examples.
1. T – Is It Truthful? Here is one of the thoughts that ran through my head when I was 358 lbs. “I do not have any willpower, and I am too tired to break out of this rut!” That statement was not truthful, and on second thought, I realized it. I had jumped out of planes at Airborne school and passed the tough discipline of the black hats. Heck, I even passed West Point’s Indoor Obstacle course despite not having natural coordination and successfully closed many projects in school, the Army, and my current employment. I definitely had the willpower, so it was not a truthful statement. And by dwelling on it, I had gone away from the truth – I was depressed, had a medical condition, and was overworked/overstressed. If you focus on falsehood instead of the truth, you attack yourself, others, and the wrong problem.
2. H – Is it Helpful? Do not dwell on the mistakes of the past. It is not helpful to dwell on the Quarter Pounder you ate. Instead, it is beneficial to think about what triggered the momentary lapse (or not if you planned it as a treat) and plan on how you will do better.
3. I – Is it Inspiring? I cannot tell you how much reading inspiring books and quotes has changed my inner dialogue and fashioned my outer dialogue. Don’t preach to the choir. Be Inspired both when you communicate to yourself and others!
4. N – Is it Needed? Both in our inner and outer dialogue, too many random, negative thoughts clutter the message: Each day, I am getting healthier and happier! Do not cloud your thoughts with unneeded worries or fears; focus on what’s needed now!
5. K – Is it Kind? This is the most essential part of the acronym: Be conspicuously kind to yourself and others. A kind act to yourself will allow you to drive to greater health when you have a momentary setback. Being kind to others will have a double whammy. It will bring you joy and lower stress. But more importantly, it will bring joy to others. Above all else – Mentor do not mangle!
So, there you have it! THINK your way to weight loss and health! THINK yourself to a new you and a new society! Let me close with a poem that I wrote.
Kindness flows,
Through the crevices of life,
Always seeking to salve,
The sorrow and the strife.
Goodness builds,
And flows around,
The multiple barriers,
Upon which we are bound.
So be good, not great,
Kind but strong,
Seek for the truth,
Right the wrong!
