The Transformative Power of Our Thoughts
Have you ever considered the importance of "how you think" - your thoughts, thought patterns and processes and their impact on your life?
As I think about this now, I can honestly say that my younger version didn't. Earlier in life, I was focused on what I was doing and where I was headed, and I always seemed to learn life's lessons the hard way.
However, over time, particularly after periods of challenge or adversity, I learned that "how we think" and "what we focus our thoughts on" have an enormous impact on our ability to persevere, overcome, change, grow and ultimately thrive. They serve as the driving force in determining our mindset, actions, habits and behaviors.
Fast-forward to today and I find that these same concepts of "how we think" and "what we focus our thoughts on" are central issues within the subject matter of most of the people I coach.
So, based on my experience and research -
How you think and what you focus your thoughts on shape your life and can transform your future – so choose your "how" and "what" wisely.
How We Think
"How we think" refers to the process or manner of our thinking, including methods, approaches, and patterns we use to process information and make decisions.
- Thoughts: Ideas, beliefs, perceptions, or opinions that pass through our minds. They can be fleeting, spontaneous or deliberate, ranging from "Aha" moments to mundane observations and deep reflections.
- Thought Patterns: Recurring, habitual ways of thinking that shape how we approach situations. These patterns can limit us through negative self-talk, self-limiting beliefs or cognitive distortions; or expand our thinking through patterns that are rational, reflective, or open-minded.
- Thinking Process: The overall method of forming thoughts, involving how we gather information, analyze it, and draw conclusions through conscious or automatic cognitive activities like reasoning, decision-making or problem-solving.
Interestingly, neuroscientific research has shown that our brains can change and adapt in response to our experiences, thoughts, and actions—a concept known as neuroplasticity.
This means that how we think can rewire our brains over time. When we consistently focus on specific thoughts, we strengthen the neural pathways associated with them, making them more dominant in our thinking patterns. In other words, our repeated thoughts create mental habits that shape how we perceive and respond to the world.
Moreover, our thoughts heavily influence our perception of reality. If we view the world through a problem-focused lens, we'll likely see obstacles or potholes at every turn. On the other hand, if we see the world from a solutions-focused mentality, we'll be more likely to notice possibilities and opportunities.
We also tend to seek out, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms our preexisting beliefs, or what is known as cognitive bias. Therefore, the focus of our thoughts creates a self-fulfilling prophecy - what we think about and how we think about it can often become our reality.
"Reality is created by the mind. We can change our reality by changing our mind." – often attributed to the Greek philosopher, Plato
So, how might your thoughts, thought patterns and thinking process be either constructively or adversely impacting your everyday activities or the "big things" you want to accomplish in life?
What We Focus Our Thoughts On
"What we focus our thoughts on" refers to the content or subject matter to which our minds direct our attention. Choosing the focus of our thoughts wisely requires intention. When our mind's attention is intentionally directed, it focuses our energy and brain power.
The focus of our attention reveals what we prioritize at any given time or point in life. If our focal point strays from what is most important, we can waste our time and energy for less critical purposes. Conversely, if we intentionally focus on what is most important, we can target our time and energy to align with our priorities.
Two good questions to ask yourself might be,
- "Is the primary focus of my attention in alignment with my guiding principles or my stated priorities or goals?"
- "Am I prioritizing my energy and thoughts on that which is within my control and influence?"
Just because we intentionally focus on something doesn't change the fact that we may have little to no control or influence over the outcomes and, therefore, are wasting our energy.
Choosing the focus of your thoughts wisely means consciously directing your mental energy toward areas that are within your control or influence and will move you forward rather than hold you back. Whether it's focusing on your goals, relationships, or self-improvement, what you think about most often shapes your life and impacts your future.
"I don't care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there, you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants." - Zig Ziglar, American author and motivational speaker
Our Thoughts Shape Our Lives and Can Transform Our Future
As I sought to answer my initial question in this article, I was drawn to two truths. The first is found in Proverbs 4:23 (GNT).
"Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts."
Our thoughts form the basis of our reality. What we consistently think about determines our actions, decisions, and, ultimately, the outcomes of our lives.
In a world where success is often seen as a product of external factors, such as opportunities, connections or circumstances, the truth remains that the foundation of any achievement begins internally.
The second truth is found in Romans 12:2 (NIV),
"…be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
The "renewal of the mind" is a deliberate and ongoing process. It involves identifying and challenging false or limiting beliefs and habitual or distorted thinking, replacing them with empowering truths, and consistently choosing thoughts that align with the person you want to become.
This process of renewing your mind builds resilience. It equips you to bounce back from failure, stay committed to your goals, and maintain emotional stability during tough times. When you master your thinking, you are better equipped to handle adversity with grace and perseverance. This inner fortitude becomes a powerful tool in your journey to achieve the "big things."
Final Thoughts
The transformative power of thought is real - just look at current neuroscience - and it's something we all have the ability to harness. We can allow how we think to limit us or use it to propel us toward success. By choosing the focus of our thoughts wisely, we can intentionally direct our attention toward priorities that align with our guiding principles, values, goals, and aspirations.
The choice is ours. So, choose your thoughts wisely - they have the power to shape your life and transform your future.
"Our life is what our thoughts make it." – Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher