OKINAWA

(Hilary Valdez)

Our thoughts impact our lives, influencing our emotions, decisions, and actions. The strategies we use unlock our human potential and harnessing the power of a trusting mindset, shape our lives.

Humans experience a constant stream of thoughts, averaging 48 thoughts per minute or 50-70 thousand thoughts per day. Unfortunately, research suggests that 70-80% of these thoughts are negative, and 98% remain the same as the previous day. This repetitive thought pattern often creates a mental barrier by disconnecting our thoughts and feelings and hindering personal growth.

Enter resiliency training: developing a trusting mindset allows us to overcome these barriers, enabling us to thrive in various aspects of life. This mindset involves being present. Focusing on immediate objectives helps quiet the mind and fosters a sense of calm. Having confidence and cultivating self-assurance aids in maintaining composure and accepting challenges. Stay in the present is my mantra.

Maintaining a trusting mindset facilitates peak performance during high-stress situations, helping us achieve our goals and overcome obstacles. But it’s a balancing act. In today’s world we have to find the balance between trust and suspicion. Which can become psychologically depleting if you are passing through high crime areas of the world.

Each stage of adult life presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth. It took me a while to figure this out. But divide your life into thirds. Young adults face numerous decisions about education, career, and relationships. The mid-life transition often prompts self-reflection and a reassessment of priorities. The late adulthood stage involves accepting the aging process and finding fulfillment in life’s later years. This part can be difficult since you see what’s coming like vitamins, supplements, fruits and veggies, no alcohol or smoking and of course, meditation. Ahhh, senior life.

By acknowledging the specific challenges of each life stage, we can better adapt and make proactive choices that promote personal growth and well-being. Back to basic resiliency training: to unlock our potential, identify areas for improvement and implement effective strategies to address them. Set clear targets and determine what needs to change and establish precise goals to guide your efforts. Identify appropriate tools or techniques to support growth and change. Determine when interventions should begin for optimal results. Consider how changes will affect various aspects of your life. Identify any necessary tools, support systems, or external resources to facilitate growth. And maintain your health, for men, get your prostate checked!

Your thoughts significantly impact your ability to navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. By understanding the nature of your thoughts and adopting a trusting mindset, you can harness your inner strength while developing resilience to overcome obstacles and unlock your true potential. Embracing the opportunities presented in each stage of life enables us to lead fulfilling lives and promote well-being in ourselves and those around us. It’s tough, but clear cut. Go “Fear-ward.” As the old baby-boom song goes, “I Never Promised You A Rose Garden.”

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Hilary Valdez is a freelancer living in Tokyo, Japan. He is an experienced Mental Health professional and Resiliency Trainer. Valdez is a former Marine and has worked with the military most of his career and most recently worked at Camp Zama as a Master Resiliency Trainer. Valdez now has a private practice and publishes books on social and psychological issues. His books are available on Amazon and for Kindle. Learn more about Valdez and contact him at his website or email (InstantInsights@hotmail.com). Follow his YouTube channel Hilary’s Quick Talk for more insights.

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