How To Stop Complaining And Why You Would Want To

Last year around Christmastime I read the book A Complaint Free World: How To Stop Complaining And Start Enjoying The Life You Always Wanted by Will Bowen.

It's a sweet book written by a minister who realized that by not complaining his entire world shifted, and so too did the lives of his congregation. (Law of Attraction, anyone? :)

To help people achieve 21 days without complaining (the length of time it takes to form a new habit he says) he passed out purple rubber bracelets to his people.  The instructions were simple:

Every time you complain, switch the bracelet to the other wrist.  Do this until you've gone 21 days without switching your bracelet once.

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The book shares success stories and the struggles people faced during the challenge.  It also outlines what a complaint is and how you can still work through problems or state something you don't like without complaining (super helpful!)

I was intrigued.  I was inspired!  I gave it a try.

I felt so much better during my "on" days.  I was more calm and patient.  I was a much better mother.  It was like my mind, a little yapping dog running in circles, was given a heavy, soothing blanket to wear. "Here, puppy, focus on this instead."

It is now, by far, one of my favorite personal growth tools.

It doesn't matter what you wear on your wrist.

You can use a rubber band.  You can use a bracelet you already have.  Right now I'm wearing a white rubber bracelet from TUT.  It says "Thoughts Become Things...Choose The Good Ones."  You can order an official "Complaint-Free World" purple rubber bracelet from the Complaint Free World website.

It's not what you wear or do exactly, it's the repeated physical act that helps build the new habit.  (You can even move a stone from one pocket to another.)

And yes, they have a widget for this! Woo hoo!

As I was about to cut out little pieces of paper and number them to keep track of my days I saw they now have a widget you can download to your computer to keep track with on the Complaint Free Website.

The geek-girl in me is jumping for joy!!!

Why do you need a system to keep track, you ask?

Well... the range varies greatly but some people have taken eight months to go a full 21 days.  (Whaaa?)  But don't let that stop you - just imagine all of those complaint-free days in-between.

Talk about being the change you wish you see in the world... :)