Today, I am revealing a secret that has remained a ‘secret’ for thousands of years despite being enormously talked about. The secret is: You are what you think. In other words, it is the power of thought. It is a fascinating concept of how your mind shapes your reality. It is a journey of self-discovery that makes you delve into the profound impact your thoughts can have on shaping the world around you.
All great historical and present thinkers, philosophers, and high achievers have agreed that this ‘secret’ is a universal truth. English philosopher James Allen (1864-1912) wrote: “As a man thinks, so he is. As he continues to think, so he remains.” Stoic Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180) wrote: “A man’s life is what his thoughts make of it.” Poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) wrote: “A man is what he thinks about all day long.” Author Earl Nightingale (1921-1989) said: “We become what we think about,” and author Mark Twain (1835-1910) noted: “Life consists mainly of the storm of thoughts that is forever flowing through one’s head.” Who can forget Gautam Buddha (563-483 BCE), who said, “The mind is everything? What you think, you become.”
Swami Vivekanand (1863-1902) said, “We are what our thoughts have made us. So, take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live. They travel far. Aspire high and let your thoughts be pure and positive.” Come to the present, and I am reminded of an interesting anecdote from the contemporary world. Someone asked film actor Mr. Shah Rukh Khan: “Why do you always say you are the best even when it makes you look so pompous and arrogant?” His reply was very enlightening. With his signature smile, he said, “I am actually the best, and I do not say so because I am pompous or arrogant. But every morning when I wake up, I remind myself that I am the best, and this thought gives me fresh energy; it enthuses me to a new vigour to work harder and once again prove myself in whatever I do that day.”
Despite so many philosophers and great achievers talking about it for several thousand years, it has remained a ‘secret’ because very few people realise the power of thought in their lifetime. When a problem occurs, they think, rather brood, about it and embroil themselves in a whirl of disappointment, anger and unhappiness. On the other hand, successful people start thinking about a solution as and when they face a problem. The thoughts that you consistently hold in your mind have the remarkable ability to manifest in your external world. When you constantly think about something, it becomes ingrained in your subconscious mind. Your subconscious mind becomes a magnet, attracting situations, people, and opportunities that align with your dominant thoughts. For example, consistently thinking about success and abundance makes you more likely to attract success and abundance into your life. If your thoughts are predominantly negative and focused on deprivations, you may find yourself experiencing more of those adverse circumstances.
It is essential to recognise that thoughts are not mere fleeting mental events. They have a significant influence on your actions and behaviours. Your thoughts serve as the foundation upon which your actions are built. You will likely take inspired and productive actions if you harbour positive and empowering thoughts. Conversely, negative and self-limiting thoughts often result in self-sabotaging behaviours.
Here are some tips to help you realise the power of your mind. First, cultivate a positive mindset. It requires consistent effort and practice because negative thought patterns can be deeply ingrained. However, they can be overcome with dedication and persistence. By challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with positive and empowering ones, you gradually rewire your brain to adopt a more positive mindset. Second, develop the habit of visualisation and mental imagery. By vividly imagining yourself achieving your goals and living your desired life, you send a clear signal to your subconscious mind about what you want to manifest. Third, use affirmation to shape reality. Affirmations are positive statements you repeat to reprogramme your subconscious mind. Lastly, take inspired actions. It is not enough to think positively; you must also take steps towards your goals.
So, start imagining your life the way you want it. Create a picture in your mind and think about that picture steadfastly all day long. Believe in it.
With these words, I wish you the best to create your success through the power of your thoughts.
