Winner's Circle Network with Lou Tice - 2/4/05 - Denial

[Guest guest]

Winner's Circle Network with Lou Tice - 2/4/05 - " Denial "

People who are struggling with addictions are all too familiar with the

phenomenon of denial. If you've ever tried to overcome an addiction, you

know that getting past denial is one of the first steps to change.

Now, denial has its roots in a perfectly normal need - we want to feel that

we're OK just the way we are. But denial goes one step further. Instead of

looking at current reality, accepting it as a fact, and then thinking calmly

about how to change it, people who are in denial distort current reality so

they won't have to think about changing it. This is usually for two reasons.

First, they don't really feel strong and capable enough to change. And

second, they short-circuit their thought processes by getting stuck in

self-blame and condemnation. Denial helps them avoid these unpleasant

feelings. However, there is a better way.

You see, self-blame and negative self-talk are learned behaviors, and what

is learned can be unlearned. If you work on changing your self-concept to a

positive one, denial becomes unnecessary and behavior can be changed

painlessly.

You look at an unpleasant reality and say to yourself, " That's not like me.

In the future, I intend to... " and then complete the word picture with a

positive image that you reinforce daily with visualization and affirmations.

If inner change happens first, outer change will follow.

Lou Tice

The Pacific Institute

www.thepacificinstitute.com

Blessings,

Charlene

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