Wellness is a choice! Every day we make choices whether on a conscious level or not that impact our wellness. Cognitions of Choice offers a system of learning that empowers the individual to create new options for wellness. Dr. Steffen utilizes New Choice Thinking and Cognitions of Choice to empower clients to choose wellness. Coaches in training are taught this system of learning to expand their coaching programs and inspire clients toward a wellness lifestyle.
Cognitions of Choice
Cognitions of Choice is a compliment to Habits of Mind.* It offers a network of neural programming that engages self-dialog between automatic thinking, critical thinking, mindfulness, and integrated life choices. It evokes an active process of resiliency and hopefulness for living in the present with a healthy respect for future orientation and a transcendent wellness perspective.
Cognitions of Choice are used to neutralize negative self-defeating cognitions that interfere with self-harmony and creating balanced life choices. These cognitions not only offer patterns of thinking that may be deeply programmed or engrained at the level of core identity, but also offer intuitive guideposts for making healthy life choices. If they are not already present within the parameters of thought, with practice they can be taught at varying levels of cognition and become a part of the integrated life filter or functional force as a means of offering psychological immunity.
Cognitions: Are not just the thoughts we hold, but incorporate the actions we take based upon these patterns of thinking. Cognitions connect to our values and personality traits that create our neural hotwiring or programming that construct our social perceptions and life choices. Our cognitions guide our habits of being and life philosophy.
- Unconscious (automatic thought)
- Meta (Thoughts about thinking)
- Conscious or Mindfulness
- Integrated or Authentic Perception
Harmonious Balance: Life is constantly changing and creating obstacles, challenges, or directional changes that we may or may not be prepared to face. It is essential to focus on establishing a core center that stems from our functional force that allows us zone awareness and holistic immunity from imbalance or trauma.
Grounding
Consciousness/Mindfulness
Integral
Effortless/Authentic Resonance or Oneness
Golden Rule: Is a simple reminder of the importance of life protection and reciprocal respect. It is a relational rule that reinforces Integrated Cognition or Harmonious life balance.
Don’t Hurt Yourself
Don’t Let Anyone Hurt You
Don’t Hurt Anyone Else
Cognitions of Choice~ Philosophy for Living
| Cognition | Image | Motto | Aspirational Guidepost | Disposition
I present |
| Consider Options | Motto:
There are always choices! |
Slow down and review, while exploring possibilities | ||
| Create Alternatives | Motto:
Let’s see another way I can look at this! |
You can always create a plan B, and think ahead, and even in life situations where you can’t you still have choices | ||
| Discernment | Motto: I can discriminate between healthy and unhealthy choices | Remain true to your values and respect personal boundaries for yourself and others | ||
| Altruism | Motto:
I am giving back because I am grateful! |
It is not about seeing others as less fortunate; it involves understanding loss and trauma can happen to anyone | ||
| Positive Mental Attitude | Motto:
Things have a way of working out! |
Life is an exceptional gift to be appreciated at all levels of functioning | ||
| Cultural Appreciation | Motto: Aesthetics are present in all aspects of life | Appreciate the differences because that is where real natural beauty exists | ||
| Open Communication | Motto:
I want to connect to you! |
Listening occurs only when we are present and receptive, without this no intimacy occurs | ||
| Commitment | Motto:
I am here for the long haul! |
Being connected allows us to prevent isolation and anxiety, and is an opportunity to validate one another | ||
| Congruency &
Compatibility |
Motto: Things need to fit to maintain wellness | Complimentary views or perspectives can exist within us and between others, it creates harmony | ||
| Transcendence | Motto:
I can see the future! |
We need to live in the present while being mindful of the future; without this we can become vulnerable to discouragement or despair | ||
| Future Orientation | Motto: I am hopeful! | Passing the baton allows the rely to occur between generations and creates continuity in life | ||
| Seeking Solutions | Motto: I Investigate life with an open mind and heart | Investigation with an open mind and heart goes beyond simple problem solving, it involves relational joining | ||
| Respect for Equality | Motto: We all do the best we can and have something to offer | We don’t all have the same abilities or gifts but on a human level we all matter and contribute to life | ||
| Integrity | Motto: I will do the best I am able and respect all living creatures ~
I give you my word! |
Being authentic and representing what you communicate to others with consistency offers a solid foundation | ||
| Sharing | Motto:
I have more than enough! |
One of the greatest joys is giving to others willingly and not expecting anything in return | ||
| Reciprocal Joy | Motto:
We matter to each other! |
Learning to appreciate another beyond our flaws is a reason to celebrate | ||
| Protective Bond | Motto: I am there for you with love, acceptance, and forgiveness | I will nurture you and release when you communicate you are ready to go forward | ||
| Courageous Acts | Motto:
I will take a reasonable risk! |
We all have limitations because moving forward and being able to ask for help when needed allows us to live a successful life | ||
| Harmonious Balance | Motto: I live life in balance | Life will through us curve balls and we can feel off balance, but protecting our core allows us holistic wellness | ||
| Whimsical Spontaneity | Motto: Life is fun~
Let’s see what happens |
We need to learn to laugh at ourselves, and enjoy others who grow from doing the same | ||
| Fearless Conviction | Motto:
I am ready! |
Fearlessness is being committed to trying and being in a state of readiness to learn | ||
| Charisma | Motto: My authentic self is the best version of me! | Accepting ourselves, forgiving our limitations, and loving ourselves provides us with a magnet that will draw others who focus on living in wellness toward us | ||
| Self-encouragement | Motto:
I got this! |
The world doesn’t always offer ready-made encouragement or self-empowerment, we have to learn how to find it to progress and stay well | ||
| Self-Respect | Motto:
It is my time! |
For everything there is a season and understanding that we are worthy and deserving allows us to live authentically |
*Costa, A. www.Instituteforhabitsofmind.com