This past Thursday, I shared with the group my presentation entitled “ Soundtracks Part II” 

My presentation was based on a book I have been reading by author Jon Acuff, entitled “ Soundtracks “

His book tackles that all too familiar subject of overthinking.  John tells us that there are three actions we need to take to change our thoughts.

1) Retire your broken soundtracks.

2) Replace them with new ones.

3). Repeat them until they are as automatic as the old ones.

Retire, Replace and Repeat.

When Jon talks about soundtracks, he is talking about the thoughts we have in our heads that may or may not be benefiting us.  It’s when some of these thoughts in our head become too negative, that we can use a little bit of help.

   So a lot of us probably have weekly or daily to-do lists.  Jon suggests that when we are tackling a new week full of many things to do on our list, that we need to decide;

1)  Where do I want to win this week?  

     Maybe try to narrow down to determine what’s most important to you.  Prioritize those important items that you want to accomplish. Let’s say as an example that you have an important meeting or interview coming up.

2). What soundtracks will help?  Your soundtrack for a job interview could be “ I am as qualified as anyone for this job”

3). What actions can I take?  Research the qualifications needed for the job you are applying for. Without even looking at your resume, be prepared and know beforehand the skills that you have that makes you well qualified for the job.

     Probably one of the most helpful things I learned from the book is that when it comes to overthinking we need to imagine a coin. One side is full of thoughts that aren’t true, kind or even helpful.  If you flip it over, what would the other side say?   Sometimes we need to take a broken soundtrack, ask what is the opposite of this, and flip it.  Jon shared a lot of broken soundtracks can be related to change.  For example, when I think about how I want to retire from my current job. I know that once I retire, I want to continue to work as a Peer support specialist. I think maybe a part of me is afraid of making this change to a new career.  So it sounds to me like I need to flip this soundtrack and make the change.

     Probably the most important thing I learned from Jon’s book is this;

“ If you want to find a soundtrack to flip, listen to the unkind things that you repeatedly say about yourself “ .  That sounds like a great place to start if we want to get rid of our overthinking.