One of my pandemic habits was (and continues to be) binge-watching TV shows. My first one was Tiger King. Then, we started on the old TV series Dallas. That was 14 full seasons and took us about 10 months to finish. After Dallas, we got into Longmire, followed by Virgin River, Manifest, and most recently, Yellowstone and 1883.
I discovered that when you watch multiple episodes of a show, you begin to take on some of the language, thoughts, and ideas from those programs.
When I watched Dallas, I had this sudden nostalgia for the old boxy briefcases JR carried and so I bought one since I was no longer traveling. Longmire made me want to answer the phone with “It is another beautiful day at the Red Pony Saloon and continual soiree.” I have to be careful with Yellowstone. More than once I’ve almost slipped with the “F” bomb in a workshop. It’s easy to adopt phrases and behaviors from stuff that’s constantly programing your brain.
Which brings me to negativity. When I was young, single, and in the Navy, it was common to bitch and complain about most everything. Before I knew it, I was negative just like everyone else. It’s addictive. The “B” in BLAME is for Binging Negativity.
As you move from BLAMEr to OWNER, it might be wise to consider what you’re binging on. If you run in negative, blaming circles, you’ll find it hard to resist the pull to move into the dark side of negativity. As an OWNER, you’ll want to find success, solutions to problems, and the motivation to achieve great things. However, wallowing in the negativity of the past won’t give you any encouragement or the push to succeed. The more you associate with negativity, the more comfortable it becomes. Then, before you know it, you’ll be blaming everyone and everything else for your lack of progress.
It’s a drain that is easy to circle down into. And yet, no good comes from it.
This week, take a look at the self-talk, friends, and information you associate with. If it’s not uplifting, ask yourself why you need it. Misery loves company, but is that the kind of company you want to keep?