Did you know that 90% of what you think is repetitive? You’re thinking the same thing over and over again without realizing it.
Isn’t that crazy?
Your mind is the most powerful asset you possess. If it’s not managed well, it can be your worst enemy.
Don’t believe me?
Have you ever thought…?
- “I’m not good enough”
- “I’m not creative”
- “Who would ever listen to me?”
- “Who do you think you are?”
Well, those are automatic negative thoughts that continue to run in your subconscious mind. The problem with those thoughts is they tear you down, make you feel insecure, and erode your self-esteem and confidence.
A true story
I recently discovered I had harbored a belief that I wasn’t a writer. It shook my confidence every time I made a proposal for a writing project. Consequently, I didn’t get much response on my proposals! No surprise there! When negative thoughts are allowed to exist without challenge, they interfere with more than we could ever imagine.
However, when I identified the belief “I’m not a writer” I was able to challenge that belief with facts to the contrary. For example, I’ve written and published over 22 books. I’m a certified direct response copywriter who had to pass significant examination to become certified. I’ve also been hired to write for more 30+ clients.
When I reviewed the facts, I saw this objectively and realized that old belief “I’m not a writer” wasn’t helping me. Therefore, I chose to reject that belief.
Anytime that old belief pops up, I simply remind myself to the contrary and look at the facts that tell me, “Yes, I am, in deed, a writer.”
Conversely, how might you feel if you heard thoughts like these?
- “I am wonderfully and fearfully created”
- “I am valuable”
- “I am loved”
- “I am worthy of love”
- “I am accepted”
You’d probably feel more secure, balanced, confident, and willing to try new things. Your self-esteem would rise and you’d present yourself to the world much more positively.
Everyone of us is responsible for how we think. Sadly, no one taught us the power of our thoughts in school. No one told us we don’t have to believe every thought that comes into our mind.
But now you know.
Take Charge of Your Thoughts
Finding these hidden beliefs can be difficult. In my case, I was running into a brick wall with my business and I reached out to colleague of mind. As I shared some of my thoughts about my frustrating situation, she commented on how each statement I made seemed to point to the same underlining belief that I didn’t think I was good enough.
That sent me on the process of discovery to determine where that thought came from.
After praying about it, journaling my thoughts down on paper, and analyzing the thoughts I’d written, it became very clear I struggled with the belief I wasn’t good enough.
For each thought, I would look for evidence to the contrary of that thought. Which, in a way, cancels out that negative thought with facts that say otherwise.
Change Your Thoughts in Four Easy Steps
Step 1: Get into the habit of journaling your thoughts at least once a week.
Step 2: Assess the thoughts and see where those thoughts lead you. If they don’t help you reach your goals, consider reprogramming your mind with new thoughts.
Step 3: Gather evidence that counters the old thought.
Step 4: Remind yourself of that evidence anytime the old thought pops up.
The thoughts you think have a tremendous effect on your success. If you’re thinking about starting a business, you’d be wise to consider how your thoughts can help you reach your goals or hinder your progress.
When I started my business, hidden beliefs were not even on my radar and as a result, it took me a little longer to really get things going. That’s why I want to share with you the Five Common Mistakes People Make When Starting a Business. So, you can save a ton of frustration and speed up your own progress.