Focus on the positive
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Here’s a quick 30 second challenge for you.
Count how many times the people wearing white pass the basketball:
Click read more to get the answer:
Did you see the black gorilla? Most people don’t as their brains ignore everything except the players in white. Now if we apply this to our lives then we have to stop and ask ourselves what are we focused on?
One thing I’ve noticed is that since I’ve start exercising I’ve become a lot more positive in all aspects of my life. Instead of focusing on what is wrong I’ve become aware of how blessed I am. I think doing the post on looking back earlier in the week made me stop and be aware of how my thoughts have changed. I used to always focus on what was wrong and not on how wonderful life really is. I can’t remember who said it but one of the quotes I really like is:
“If you want to be happy then be happy.”
I think too many of us say “I’ll be happy when _________” (and you can insert your own event in there) instead of just being happy in the moment.
Are you so focused on the negative that you are missing the positives in your life? I hope not!
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Bahahahaha, I so failed at this, I counted “One… two… three… four…. fi… WTF? Gorilla?”
Marshmallows last blog post..When in Melbourne, do as the Melbournians do
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Well, I saw the gorilla, but I also couldn’t keep track of the number of times the white shirts passed.
Nice post. I, too, have become more positive in my life and I thank my running for a good part of that. For me, I made a conscious decision to be more happy and it has worked (I added this quote: “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln” to my email signature. Seeing it every time that I send an email reminds me to take that advice!
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13, right? Haha, this was great. I saw the gorilla before I pressed “play”; is that cheating?
Great post; I say “so true” to all of it. Especially the “working out = feel more blessed” part. I think that’s how a lot of fitness enthusiasts/athletes get started — they do something small and think, “I *can*”, then just keep improving. [We've all heard the exchange, "Why?" "Because I can/it's there!" haha]
Amandas last blog post..Food Review: Eat Smart Veggie Crisps
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Im with amanda.
both on the seeing and wonder if we’re cheaters?
MizFits last blog post..Guest Chef Time!
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You can see what I think is the original version of this at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_9INBPUX9U
This was a British ad for cylist safety with the catch-line,
“It’s easy to miss something you’re not looking for.
Watch out for cyclists.”
One of the best ads I’ve seen.
I like your spin on it though. I feel the same - that I am more positive since I’ve become less of a blob.
Andrew(AJH)s last blog post..Bike, podiatry study, run
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AndrewE
reply on August 15th, 2008 3:50 pm:
That one is great!
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Andrew -
Thanks for the pick me up. This is something we need to remember and think about often. We need to focus on the positives.
Thanks!
Tim Wilsons last blog post..Run Your City
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Thanks great post Andrew and I know I am much happier since I started running.
I have a great article about I’ll be happy when…, I will see if I can find it and post it…
I have it on my wall at work and it is great to read every now and then.
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great post! that was bananas!…erhm….
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AndrewE
reply on August 15th, 2008 3:49 pm:
lol
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Great post, Andrew! Being positive sure makes more things possible. I’m not sure how I changed from somewhat of a doomsday-er to someone who sees problems as changes I just haven’t figured out yet, but the switch has made all the difference in the world!
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15. What gorilla? Definitely didn’t notice or care about the gorilla until you pointed it out. Oh well.
I love this post and think you have a very great point. I HATE the phrase and mindset “I will be happy when ___” If you aren’t happy now, whats the point? Will you ever be, or will something else come up once you reach that point of supposed happiness?
Anyway, I would like to think that the counting little test doesnt make me negative, just focused on accomplishing what I set out to do. Which is a very positive quality that will help me reach all the goals I have set for myself. So… what gorilla? Lol.
Marys last blog post..My First Aerobics Class
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Very interesting! Nice post!
Mark Salinass last blog post..YOUR FAT-BURNING GAME PLAN
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Great post, Andrew. It really is that simple when it comes down to it, isn’t it? All I can say is being happy is a lot better than…well, NOT being happy.
Johnnys last blog post..I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful…
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Thanks for the reminder to see all the positives, it always helps to have someone remind me
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Your timing is freaky. That video clip is described in a book that I borrowed from the library just yesterday (because it looked interesting) - “Welcome to your Brain”. When I read it (page 6), I wondered how anyone could possibly miss the gorilla. Having seen the video, though, I can see how people might miss it if you’re only concentrating on white people.
I got 14.
The TfL video (from AJH) is much better, IMHO. Easier to miss the hairy critter.
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I have been suffering from this exact thing over the last couple of weeks - I have let my exercise routines slip, and my outlook has gone right along with it. I did however kickstart my progress again this week, and I’m back on the “losing” side.
Thanks for the reminder, Andrew, of how important this is!
Metroknow - Almostfit.coms last blog post..Photos of What We Eat #1: Grilled Oregon Albacore tuna
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okay, I totally didn’t see the gorilla! What an awesome post! Great life lesson here
It reminds me a lot of Eckhart Tolle’s book “A New Earth”………..amazing……..he talks about this very thing 
Thanks for reminding me to appreciate and see everything NOW.
Annettes last blog post..Coffee–Good or Evil?
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So true. It’s also time to monitor your thoughts to actually “shoo” away the unhealthy thoughts. Still working on this but it’s a great technique.
FitMoms last blog post..Strength Training plan offered by Shawn Phillips
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“One thing I’ve noticed is that since I’ve started exercising I’ve become a lot more positive in all aspects of my life. Instead of focusing on what is wrong I’ve become aware of how blessed I am”.
This quote really struck home with me - both personally and professionally.
We all know someone who gets all excited to start a diet or new exercise routine, only to quit after a few weeks or even days.
Andrew, for your own reasons, you were able to stick to your new healthy lifestyle long enough that it was able to take hold and become the new normal.
As a result, your life has changed for the better.
I went through this myself quite a few years ago.
It’s a great feeling when you realize that your body craves the exercise that it once dreaded.
It’s a lesson that I try to push, pull, coax, bully, etc… my clients toward each and every day.
And when they do experience this shift in consciousness, how am I rewarded?
They stop needing a personal trainer, fire my ass and present me with a nice parting gift
Bittersweet to say the least.
Just kidding
DRs last blog post..How to Build a Ninja Warrior
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AndrewE
reply on August 17th, 2008 7:22 pm:
hehehe…that cracked me up. A sign of success is losing your job.
AndrewEs last blog post..My longest run yet
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I count 15 but I’m not sure
Most people believe that they will be happy when they lose weight but the truth is if you don’t have a positive attitude now there is little chance that you will be happy when you achieve your goal, I mean if you achieve your goal because with a negative attitude the chances I will say are closer to zero.
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Great analogy. I’ve watched that clip before and totally missed the gorilla because I was too focussed on making sure I got every single one of those throws.
WundaLucys last blog post..Olympics Goodness..
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what a great post! love the video and love the analogy…
looks like it’s stirred up quite a few comments too
–steve
steves last blog post..Strider Mile: New PR 5:35:35
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I counted 15 too. What’s the right number?
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