Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Frank Outlaw
My thoughts are my responsibility.
I am in charge of my own thoughts. This realization invigorates me. My thoughts determine my experiences. When I control my mind, I gain greater control over my life.
Challenges inevitably arise from time to time. That is just part of life. But I can choose how to respond to them.
I see challenging situations as an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset reduces my anxiety and helps me to perform better.
I practice thinking more positively. I search for the hidden blessing in all that happens to me.
If I slip up and let negativity take hold of me, I notice my thoughts and turn them to the present. I measure my progress by how quickly I catch my thoughts when they go off track. I also work on developing effective practices to clarify my reasoning.
If I start to blame others, I remind myself of their good qualities. I acknowledge my contribution to any conflict. I am willing to make amends and focus on solutions.
If self-pity overwhelms me, I list all the things I have to be grateful for. I look beyond myself and seek out opportunities to help others.
If I am anxious about how I am doing at the office, I tackle the issues head-on. I remind myself of my skills and achievements. I ask others for feedback and use it to make improvements.
Today, I accept responsibility for my thoughts. A happy mind is certainly within my grasp. I choose to embrace it to create a happy life.
Self-Reflection Questions:
- How can my thoughts shape my experiences?
- Do I really believe that I can control my thoughts?
- How do my actions reflect my beliefs about the relationship between my thoughts and my experiences?
