The 7 Day Mental Diet

There is an old saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”. I wanted to detox myself from negative thoughts, concerns, and emotions. I have always been a glass half full kind of guy, and wanted to open my eyes regarding why some outcomes always ending up with familiar endings. Finally, I found the opportunity I was looking for to change. The book, The 7 Day Mental Diet was my gateway for self- growth.

In this short book (22 pages) from the 1930s, Dr Fox compares our mental diet to that of our food intake. It’s difficult to find the energy to workout if one is eating unnecessary carbs. It’s also similar to wanting positive outcomes in life when our mind is leaning towards depressing, guilt, and other negative emotions. Our thoughts direct where our energy and outcomes go. It’s challenging to be happy and productive, when on the inside our mind is leaning towards the worst possible outcomes. Dr Fox has a challenge for everybody. My take on his challenge is he asks you to go a full week without having any lasting negative thoughts. I interpreted this as if I am starting to have doubt fear enter my mind, to just let is pass and not stick with it. Much like if I am around somebody who is complaining, spreading gossip about coworkers or the company, I do not let that sink into my core. I also do not add additional flavor to the unappetizing conversations.

Before starting this challenge, I wanted to get in the right head space. I chose a week with some vacation days to help clear my mind. I also steered clear from my social media accounts. I didn’t tell anybody I was doing this challenge. When it was time to bed on a late summer’s night, I decided to start the clock in for the seven day mental diet challenge.

The first two days were simple. I was off of work and preoccupied myself with fitness, gaming, and reading up more on meditation. The third and fourth days tried to throw me off course as I heard about COVID cases, shootings, and other depressing news. Any room with the media on the television, I would immediately walk out. Much like a toddler who puts his fingers in his ears shouting “LA LA LA” to block out anybody else speaking, I did not want to have the slightest temptation of feeling pity, sorrow or worry. Four down, three to go.

The weekend was when my mind was trying to get me back to my usual routine of processing a few negative thoughts. I did not allow any to dwell and nest in my mind. I was starting to get angry needing to cut the lawn on a hot summer day. The lawnmower was not starting after three to four pulls. I did not dwell on the anger emotion. I also wanted to avoid friends that weekend. I was not intentionally ignoring phone calls, texts, etc. I wanted to be sure I would not fall into a trap about hearing the latest gossip or if I said, “Sorry. I can’t make it today” I didn’t want to hear any unfavorable comments to have my challenge abrupted.

Returning to work Monday, I had a coworker complain a ton next to me. I refused to accept any inside me. It was my biggest test of the week. The more I didn’t want to hear any of it, the closer the coworker walked towards me and spit balled how the company sucks, so many people are lazy, my weekend was awful etc etc. I just continued to nod my head and say, “Mhmm. It’s not right. It’s not fair. I’m sorry you’re going through this..” I did not dwell on any of it. After six days, I was finally feeling the positive effects of training my subconscious mind to avoid negativity. When Tuesday arrived, I still wanted to make sure I had no foul ups. Chicago also had some poor weather which can trigger more negativity.

I decided to miss a video game get together to ensure no anger temptations. Work went by smoother. It became easier to not dive into negative thoughts of sadness. I was blessed nobody close to me had any illness or deaths because although I feel grief is essential to heal, I would have had to start the task all over again. If I did fail, I would not have considered it a failure. This mind opening challenge has gotten me to understand just because somebody else is sad, does not mean I have to mimic their moods.

Going to bed Tuesday night I felt so satisfied. I did not have to urgency to run from negativity, but embrace it. Reflecting on the challenge nearing a full year ago, I have not needed to try the challenge again. One full completion has provided much gold internally. I understand there will always be times for sadness, anger, guilt, fear, and other negative emotions. I also now understand I do not have to keep them around long-term.

Royal Resources-

Book- The 7 Day Mental Diet -Dr. Emmet Fox-