Do thoughts just randomly happens to us, or do we have control over them? Can we choose the quality and content of our thoughts and, by doing so, can we be happier and function at a higher level? Whether or not that’s possible depends on your personal belief system. If you believe that you’re at the mercy of random and negative thoughts which seem to just descend on you and force you down a path that’s not of your choosing, then your options and potential for growth will be limited.
If, on the other hand, you choose to believe that your life is based on freedom of thought and the ability to improve your circumstances by making plans and taking action, then that will be true for you.
It seems simple, but it’s not easy. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it — and that’s clearly not the case.
So what does it take to change your life for the better? Primarily three things:
Self Awareness: Cultivating the ability to pay attention to the quality of your thoughts gives you the chance to seize opportunities, revise self-defeating behavior patterns, and upgrade the way you communicate with yourself.
Self Discipline: Procrastination is one of the biggest self-imposed obstacles to success. When you delay taking action until you feel like it, “later” turns into “never” (or “too late.”) If you don’t develop the ability to force yourself to take action immediately, and do that on a regular basis, then opportunities will pass you by. Waiting until you’re “in the mood” to exercise, get started on a project, make an appointment, or initiate a relationship gets you nowhere, fast!
Positive Self Talk: Whether you call them positive affirmations, mantras, or positive thinking, the words you say and think to yourself have an impact on your self esteem, your resourcefulness, and your ability to take effective action. Negative thinking invariable produces negative results, so it pays to choose your words, thoughts, and expectations carefully!
Boost Your Motivation and Self Belief
To the extent that it’s possible, surround yourself with positive people and inspirational ideas. By keeping a positive journal, posting motivational quotes in your living space and work area, and following inspirational accounts on social media (I follow several motivational Instagram feeds), you can keep your attitudes positive and and your motivation high.
Thanks for checking out my latest post on positive thinking, the power of habits, and the value of learning to motivate yourself to take action on a consistent basis. Everyone has way more potential than they’re living up to, and it is my intention to offer ideas, strategies, and resources that will help you reach more of your potential!
As part of your plan to surround yourself with more positive ideas, people, and inspiration, consider following this blog!
Image by Angela Yuriko Smith from Pixabay
Thoughts that Work 