You Are What You Think
By: Other | July 11, 2018
Written by Haim Shemer, Psy.D.
Let’s think about thoughts for a moment. We have heard and seen the phrase “you are what you think” quoted many times in many places. It is one of the most powerful statements that I like to share with others, but with much caution.
The phrase is simple. It is true to an extent. It is effective, with all the necessary ingredients needed for a good intervention. And I do consider this an intervention because it invites people to examine their thoughts and exercise control over their perceptions of the world around them.
We know that the average person has about 50,000 thoughts a day, with most of those thoughts being negative if not also irrational or unrealistic. We also know that our thoughts are created habits, much like many habits are in our lives. Many of our thoughts today were our thoughts from yesterday and will be the same thoughts we have tomorrow. You may ask then, what is the point of seeking change if every day I am programmed to think more or less the same way? Herein lay the main point of it all!
Like other habits we choose to form, modify, or eliminate, our thoughts each day can be formed, modified, and eliminated. Many may find this hard to believe. Why? Because we believe that changing our thinking about something or someone is difficult. I agree that it’s difficult, even extraordinarily hard at times, but I also believe it is doable. In addition, I believe it is a matter of practice.
For example, if we harbor daily thoughts about dangers that lurk around every corner upon leaving the house, driving our cars, going to work, stopping at the grocery store, or visiting with friends, we are bound to experience fear, increased stress, and even anxiety. However, if we stop to evaluate our thoughts throughout the day and think about what it is we say to ourselves, we will find lots of “noise” and very few facts. The ‘’noise’’ is what has been repeated for days, weeks, months, and years.
Research shows that repetition makes things seem more plausible. When “noisy,” negative, or fearful thoughts are repeated over and over at length, they too will seem accurate and factual. Research also shows that different thinking leads to different life experiences, such that questioning the thoughts we think on a daily basis is time well spent.
I invite you to consider the daily thoughts you practice. You may discover that the events and experiences around you might seem better with a little less ‘’noise.’’
A thought practice I like to share is coming up with three things you are grateful for every morning when you wake. This easy exercise can set the tone for the day. It can begin a new habit of positive thinking that then produces positive impact on our emotions and behaviors. Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. They continually influence one another. I believe that focusing on and controlling our thoughts is key to a happy and fulfilled life.
Image: Judite B on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0
