We’ve all heard the saying, “what you think, you become”. Yet what does it really mean?
The premise behind the saying is our thoughts drive our behaviour. How often though do you pay attention to what you are thinking? Do you stop, pause and analyse the consequence of what you think? If so, what have you deduced from such an analysis? Do your thoughts enhance your daily life or have you found your thoughts spiral into a negative pattern?
Many of us are guilty of letting our thoughts run away and get the better of us from time to time. Our mind does have a tendency to a negativity bias. Unfortunately, negativity breeds negativity. This is a serious drain on motivation and energy, which is bad news if your aim is to approach the sunnier seasons with a spring in your step and a smile on your face.
It’s not helpful to simply tell yourself to ‘snap out of it’! This often makes you feel disempowered as you don’t know what to do to actually snap out of it. We need to take action to change our thoughts to lead to better outcomes.
Here are 4 steps that can lead you to this empowering shift in mindset:
🔎 Recognise: Tune into your thoughts and identify if negativity is creeping in. If so what negative thoughts are currently on your mind? Can you pinpoint when they started?
💡 Challenge: Question the truth behind those negative thoughts. Challenge their hold on your outlook and beliefs. Are these thoughts based on facts or assumptions? What evidence do you have to support or refute them?
🔁 Reframe: Shift your perspective towards what uplifts and inspires you. How can you reframe these negative thoughts to see them from a different perspective? What opportunities might arise from this shift in mindset?
🗣️Self-Affirm: Embrace the power of positive self-talk and daily affirmations. What positive qualities and strengths do you possess? How can you incorporate these affirmations into your daily routine?
This week, try to pay close attention to your thoughts. Bring more of the good into your mind and try to chuck out the negative, see how this impacts your mood and energy.
Most importantly, don’t allow your mind to become a drain. Keep that positivity tap turned on and let your thoughts sparkle with enthusiasm, excitement and happiness!🌟