The Strangest Secret

“The way we think directly affects the results we get in life; our thoughts lead to actions which determine our success.”  Unknown

Ernest Nightingale became famous for his book The Strangest Secret which secret is that “we become what we think about.”  Managing our thoughts is difficult and too often I find myself with less than admirable, helpful, and positive thoughts.  Learning to master our thoughts can pay big dividends in our life and help us live a more successful and happier one.  Below are some ideas on how to manage our thoughts. 

#1 Think Stop

When you notice your thoughts are less than ideal, tell yourself to “stop”.  Commanding yourself to stop will interrupt your thought and will allow you to take control.  Remember you are the master of your thoughts so when they are poor command that they stop. 

#2 Lists are good

Have a list of positive thoughts, thoughts you’d like to have and write them down.  Refer to the list often and look at the list whenever you are in need of some positive thoughts. 

#3 Change Activities

When negatives thoughts are plaguing your mind, change what you are doing.  If you are reading a book and your mind is running wild, perhaps go do some chores around the home, call a friend, or go for a run.  If you are working at your desk and your thoughts are less than ideal perhaps move to the couch or take a break.  Changing up what you are doing can help distract your mind and help it “reboot” and focus on something else.  Also, pay attention to those activities that seem to lead you to poor thoughts more often than others and then avoid doing those things whenever possible.

#4 Write it down

Sometimes thoughts are stuck and remain that way until we get them out.  Many have found it to be helpful to write down their negative thoughts on paper and then throw them away.  This exercise at times can free your mind and get rid of nasty thoughts. 

#5  Watch your Feelings

At times we may not even realize our thoughts are poor.  By paying attention to our feelings and emotions we can often identify the kinds of thoughts we are having.  Our thoughts often create and control our feelings and emotions therefore if we are feeling sad or angry or apathetic, it is an indication our thoughts have been less than ideal and that we need to change them.

Using the ideas above we can become better at mastering our thoughts.  Though not easy, the effort we exert in managing our thoughts will pay off.  Having better thought now will help us become better people and better leaders and ultimately allow us to gain better results and satisfaction in life.