“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” Origin uncertain
Whether or not this quote presents the complete picture, there is no doubt that our thoughts have a dramatic influence over our lives. And I’d like to explore this domino effect over the next couple of newsletters.
I whole-heartedly believe that you most certainly become what you think. Don’t believe me? Let me ask you then, do you know anyone who has a positive, successful and fruitful life but a negative mindset at the same time? I don’t. Now it’s not that there is some mystical power in thinking positively, but rather that our thinking really does determine what we say and what we do. Let me illustrate. If we think something is impossible, we’ll probably say so and we’ll also likely never give it a try. If we set out to run a race not expecting to finish it, we are considerably less likely to cross the finish line. If you think discouraging thoughts concerning a situation in your life, you will probably lack the motivation to do anything about it. If you have a tendency to be critical, you will continue to fault-find and neglect to see the positive.
Sure life doesn’t always go our way and at times it can throw us some major curve-balls. And in difficult circumstances it can be hard not to get despondent. But there is a big difference between facing the facts in a particular situation while maintaining a positive outlook versus continually being stuck in a negative groove. For example, if you are unsuccessful in a job interview or securing a particular contract for your business, don’t berate yourself and go down the slippery slope of negativity. Choose to believe that although that door may be shut, there’ll be another that opens.
Doubt and unbelief lead to setbacks and failure whereas confidence leads to progress and ultimately, success. Given the effect our thoughts can have, we should make it an absolute priority to think right. If you have a dream, learn to think and speak life into it and your actions will follow.
Stop for a few minutes and take stock, in what areas of your life do you need to adjust your thinking? Make a decision at the start of 2012 to choose to dwell on life-generating thoughts.