“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” – Peace Pilgrim
We’re creatures of habit. You may be surprised to learn that we have over 60,000 thoughts every day and about 70% of them are the same thoughts as the day before. So you can see how this is a big problem if the thoughts we’re having are damaging to us.
Whatever we focus on increases in our lives. Our dominant thoughts are powerful things. They get planted into our subconscious minds, ultimately becoming the default programming that shapes our expectations and experiences. What we think about affects the sorts of things that we say, which in turn, affects our behaviors. The things we say and do then become our habits. Ultimately, we determine our character by the sum of our habits, and that sets the entire course for our lives. That’s actually great news because, by taking control of our thoughts, we can determine our destiny. We’re not just sitting idly by—instead, we can seize the power and become the architects of our own lives. While you can’t control the negative thoughts that spring up in your mind from time to time, how you handle them is up to you. You can give them credence or you can reject them. The choice is always yours.
Often, we’re not even aware of the damage our thoughts can do to us. They become ingrained like a negative cassette tape that keeps playing over and over in our head. “I’m not good enough.” “I can’t do anything right.” Whatever the negative tape is that runs in your mind, hit the eject button and replace those old worn-out messages with positive, affirming thoughts that will enrich your life, not detract from it. Here are some helpful strategies to help you create positive, life-enhancing thought processes:
- Be aware of the external influences you allow in your life. You choose the people you spend time with, the messages you glean from books and magazines, and the shows you watch on TV. They are all seeds that can impact your train of thought. Protect your mind by carefully choosing the seeds you allow to be planted there.
- Notice what you say. The words we choose ultimately form how we think and behave. We can choose to say words that build ourselves and those around us up, or we can use words that are destructive. The more aware you become of the words you use, the more kind and compassionate you’ll be to yourself and others.
- Feed your mind a positive diet. Choose some statements to replace the old messages with and affirm them to yourself on a regular basis. For example, “I am capable and I can do this,” or “This is going to be a great day!” It may take some time for your subconscious to get on board with your new way of thinking, but keep at it. You’ll see amazing results!
Your life of joy and abundance begins with the way you think. It’s really that simple. If you want some help creating your happier, more fulfilling life, that’s what we’re here for. Reach out to us anytime.
By Andrew Walen, LCSW-C, LICSW, CEDS, Founder, Executive Director at The Body Image Therapy Center. For help call 877-674-2843 or email [email protected].