Despite our best efforts, we can sometimes find ourselves in the inconvenient position of being influenced far too strongly by what we think. Our thoughts often take the lead in shaping our narratives, even overriding rationality at times. And no matter how hard we try, what we feel and do can be heavily influenced by our thoughts.
Let’s take a common saying, “you are what you eat.” Upon closer examination, it’s clear that our relationship with food is deeply entwined with our impulses, feelings, and inhibitions, all of which are influenced by our thoughts and perspectives on food.
But it’s not just our relationship with food that is guided by our thoughts. Our thoughts have a significant impact on our relationships with others and even with ourselves.
Our thoughts are our most loyal companions and a challenging adversary that never seems to leave our side. They interject themselves, making their presence known even when we would rather they stay quiet.
Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory suggested that our thoughts directly shape who we are. Every aspect of our being is impacted by what we think, and our personalities are the outcome of our inner dialogue.
For centuries, great minds have emphasized the immense influence of our thoughts on our daily lives. Stoic Marcus Aurelius believed that a person’s life is shaped by their thoughts, while philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson stated that a man is what he thinks about all day long. These thinkers believed that our experiences are a direct result of what we think.
Modern cognitive behavioral therapists argue that thoughts are just thoughts and do not always accurately reflect who we are. Sometimes our thoughts can be extreme reactions to fear, overstimulation, or hormonal changes, especially in women.
Psychotherapist Stacey Kuhl Wochner highlights common misconceptions about thinking in her piece, where she suggests that many of us give excessive power to our negative thoughts. Instead, she recommends acknowledging their existence without letting them define us.
Omar Itan, the voice behind the Optimist, explains that thoughts only have power when we actively engage with them. By focusing on powerful and positive thoughts, we can boost confidence and trigger a more positive emotional state.
Our thoughts trigger emotions which, in turn, can influence our actions. It’s a continuous cycle of think, feel, think, feel, which reinforces certain thought patterns. What we pay attention to ultimately shapes how we think, feel, and act.
Psychologist Amy Morin explains how once we form beliefs about ourselves, we tend to seek out evidence that supports these beliefs. To break free from negative thought patterns, Itan suggests understanding that you are not your thoughts but the thinker who can choose which thoughts to embrace.
So, while it’s true that sometimes we are what we think, we have the power to shift our focus towards thoughts that ignite positivity within us. By giving life to uplifting thoughts, we can create new patterns and realities for ourselves.
