The thoughts that run through our minds have a lot of control over what happens in our lives. Our thoughts are the things we focus on, think about, and eventually pursue.
A lot has been said about our thoughts and mindsets and how they are the rudder steering us in a direction. Sometimes, that direction is great. We’ve got a positive mindset. Our thoughts are positive and upbeat. We’re going in the right direction.
But I also know that many of us can struggle with the battle raging within our thoughts. We’ve battled with mental anguish, depression, hopelessness.
This post is for those who want to take control of their thoughts. The people who want to move in a more positive direction. Let’s take a look at some of the ways we can take control of our thoughts.
Thoughts On Our Thoughts
A lot has been said about our way of thinking. There are people out there who can say it better than I can. First, I want to share some excellent quotes on our thoughts with you.
James Allen:
As he thinks, so he is; as he continues to think, so he remains.
Luther Burbank:
It is well for people who think, to change their minds occasionally in order to keep them clean.
Mahatma Gandhi:
A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.
Plato:
When the mind is thinking it is talking to itself.
Take Control Of Your Thoughts To Live A Successful Life
Our thoughts control us. They lead us on the path we will follow. But what if we were to take control of our thoughts? We could direct the course of our lives. Our actions would align with who we are and what we believe. We would have the confidence to move forward and take action.
Below, you’ll find ways to take control of your thoughts so your life can be more successful.
Create positive affirmations:
Positive affirmations are statements we focus on to reframe our negative thoughts or create new, positive thoughts. We repeat these statements to ourselves multiple times a day to remind ourselves of who we are and what we can do.
I’ve previously written about positive affirmations and believe they can help you. Here are a few positive affirmations that can help you control your thoughts.
- I am able to make wise decisions that advance my goals forward
- I treat others with respect because I value them and their contributions
- I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me
- My mind may wander, but I can redirect it to focus on the positive
These and other positive affirmations can help you control your thoughts. Use them!
Get outside or exercise:
Whenever my thoughts go dark, I realize that I haven’t moved my body much or gotten outside. My exercise routine takes care of both of these mind boosters in one fell swoop since I love to run outside. You can find similar exercises or ways to get outside.
Our mindset changes when we move our bodies and experience the great outdoors. We can feel the wind on our faces, our bodies doing what they were made to do, and an energy that keeps us going.
If you’re struggling with controlling your thoughts, get out and exercise. You can work through your thoughts while pushing your body to its limit.
Gamify your thoughts:
Have you ever played a video game? There are gameplay mechanics that you have to follow within a game to score points. What would happen if you gamified your thoughts?
You could assign positive points for exciting, uplifting thoughts or negative points to those depressing thoughts. Each time you notice a thought, write down your score. Keep track of it for the day. See where you end up. You win the game if you have more positive thoughts for the day. If not, you can try again tomorrow.
Your Thoughts Are Powerful
Because our thoughts are so powerful, we have to be willing to control them if we want to succeed in life. The more positive, uplifting thoughts we have, the better our lives can be. Don’t let negative thoughts invade your life and take you down a path you don’t want to go down.
Get in the habit of changing the way you think. The more you do, the more you’ll realize a positive mindset can lead to a successful life.
