Thinking

Our thinking plays a foundational role in shaping our behaviors, which ultimately leads to the results we experience in life. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

·Thoughts Influence Behaviors: The way we think shapes our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world around us. These thoughts can be positive or negative and are often influenced by past experiences, cultural conditioning, or even external factors like media and social norms. If we have a positive mindset, we are more likely to take proactive steps and engage in behaviors that align with our goals. On the other hand, negative attitudes can lead to procrastination, avoidance or self-sabotage.

· Behaviors Produce Results: The actions we take are the direct factors that lead to the outcomes we experience. If we consistently act in ways that align with our goals and values, we’re more likely to achieve success and positive results. Conversely, if our behaviors are misaligned with our intentions, we may experience failure or dissatisfaction.

    This notion that our thinking shapes our behaviors which leads to the results we experience is true in all areas of human life, professional, personal and all ages. I recall that as a young kid, perhaps 6 or 7 years old, I started to have what I described to my mother as a headache. I pointed to my forehead and said, “my head hurts right here”. I had never experienced that feeling before. My sister would occasionally get them, but this was my 1st one.

     My mother did the same thing to me as she did to my sister when she experienced a headache. She took me into the bathroom, put a children’s aspirin in my hand and said, “go to the kitchen, drink some water and take the aspirin”. This was all new to me. I’ve always been that left-brained analytical thinker and wondered how in the world this little pill was going to solve my issue. As I’m walking to the kitchen, my 6-year-old brain was overwhelmed with thoughts. I got to the kitchen, remembered Dr. Mom’s instructions, poured myself a glass of water and drank it. However, I stuck that aspirin as far up my nose as I could. Why? My thinking was that I needed the medicine closer to the pain and not in my stomach.

     The results were not pleasant. I can still see my mom’s eyes when she found out what I had done and I do not recall how much sniffing, sneezing and snorting it took to get that aspirin dislodged from my sinus cavity. The only reason I did not get a serious punishment and am alive today to tell this story is because my mother asked me one question. She said: “what were you thinking?”  My 6-year-old explanation saved me from discipline that day!

     In summary, the way we think affects the way we behave, and the behaviors we engage in shape the results we get. By shifting our thinking and beliefs, we can alter our behaviors and, consequently, our results. How is your thinking? Hopefully your positive thinking is driving good powerful results!

Take care of yourself and each other!