At one point or another, many of us find ourselves in difficult circumstances we want to change. This might be a job we find boring or frustrating, a relationship that leaves us feeling lonely and unfulfilled, or personal development goals that seem out of reach. But what if the power to change these situations lies within us? What if, by simply changing our thoughts, we could change our lives?
What the science says
Research suggests that your thoughts might actually have a powerful effect on your everyday reality. Simply thinking, “I’ll never be successful,” or “This relationship is the best I can hope for” or “I don’t have what it takes to lose weight” can turn these thoughts into self-fulfilling prophecies.
Scientist and New York Times best-selling author of the book You Are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter Dr Joe Dispenza says, “Whatever you mentally attend to, without any doubt, is what you are and will become.”
The brain is not static, rigid and fixed. Rather, our brain cells are constantly being remoulded and reorganised by our thoughts and experiences. This has led researchers to observe that truly changing our minds results in physical changes in our brains. And as this happens, our decisions and actions also change externally.
How to effect change
If you continuously belittle yourself and doubt what you’re capable of, you’re likely limiting your potential. The good news is that you canchange your thinking. As Dr Wayne Dyer says in his book, Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
As a starting point, try to become aware of your negative thoughts and take a moment to question their validity. Challenge the conclusions about yourself you’ve always held to be true. Remind yourself that you don’t have to allow those beliefs to restrict your potential. Look for evidence to the contrary and savour the joy of your achievements.
While positive affirmations are often considered part of this detoxification process, they don’t work for everyone. You might prefer to start with releasing statements such as “I forgive myself for my mistakes” or “It’s OK to feel sad”. It’s also a good idea to focus on the process rather than perfection. This shifts the affirmation of “I am successful”, which you might find difficult to truly believe, to “I am doing what is within my abilities to become successful”, which is easier to accept.
As you begin the process of reprogramming your thoughts to create the life you want, remember to practise patience and be aware of any changes in your life, however subtle. Make this journey a priority – it could be the most worthwhile one you ever make.
Source:
Original sources: www.mind-your-reality.com, www.thatcoumn.com, www.in5d.com, www.thoughtcatalog.com, www.messagetoeagle.com, www.carolineferguson.com, www.thelawofattraction.com, www.forbes.com, www.tinybuddha.com, www.mykalharp.com, www.yourstory.com, www.lifehack.org, www.purposefairy.com, www.inc.com
- Additional sources:
- Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/melodywilding/2016/08/15/forget-positive-thinking-this-is-how-you-actually-change-negative-thoughts/#22c0ca1e6c46
- Purpose Fairy: https://www.purposefairy.com/66095/15-ways-to-change-your-thoughts-and-transform-your-life/
- Mind Body Green: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8642/change-your-thoughts-change-your-words-change-your-life.html