“Behavior wags the tail of feelings... We do, then we feel."

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It is easier to act yourself into a better way of feeling than to feel yourself into a better way of action.-O.H. Mowrer

“Behavior wags the tail of feelings... We do, then we feel.” -David K. Reynolds

Check out the PDF notes on his book Constructive Living http://www.scribd.com/doc/24532746/Constructive-Living

Yesterday’s and today’s events and conversations have been circling around a theme: TAKE THE ACTION! When this quote by Mowrer showed up today I was not at all surprised.

ACTION is fundamental "magic" behind why people feel better after they exercise, after they meditate, after they sing, after they dance, after they have mowed the lawn... TAKE THE ACTION! Behavior wags the tail of feeling.

I have a client that is living the immense struggle created by “paralysis analysis”. She is too often thinking about what needs to be done vs. taking the action and DOING what needs to be done.

This analysis leads to non-action…

…which leads to being out of integrity…

…which leads to a drop in self esteem…

…which leads to using unhealthy methods of coping with depression/self judgment…

…which leads to disconnection from mind and body…

…which leads to self sabotage…

…which leads to being further away from the desired outcome…

…which leads to increased “paralysis analysis”.        

This is a vicious cycle. 

If we could just move a bit of energy away from amount of time and energy we spend THINKING about what we need to do and REINVEST that energy in take AN ACTION our lives would transform.

This ties into the idea that success in life is 80% showing up. Why do you think that is? I think this is the case because, showing up is an ACTION!

If you will just get your self to the gym, class, workshop, store, to the environment… you have taken a committed action toward your ideal.

Of course, thinking is useful… until we use it against ourselves.

So, where you are stuck?

How are you paralyzing yourself right now with your thinking?

What is one action you can take right now that will move you toward your ideal?

Don’t ignore your internal voice this time. Stop thinking and do now what you know you must to move you one step closer toward your ideal health, relationship, career, connection to God, WHATEVER it is that you are being called to move toward. Just do it! (Sound familiar?)

For me… I need to get to Home Depot get some fertilizer down on my lawn. I need to get my lawn equipment repaired so I can turn my yard back into the paradise in know it can be. And I know when I do this I will feel so much more satisfaction and enjoyment with what I have created. So, I am going to Home Depot before lunch today.