How many thoughts do you have each day? Should you believe everything you think? Can your very own thoughts sabotage you? How can you have more positive thoughts?
Number of Thoughts per Day
It is estimated that we have between 12,000- 60,000 thoughts per day. This range is attributed to factors such as your level of creativity, personal and professional problem solving requirements, whether you tend to be a thinker, and your career. At an average of 36,000 thoughts per day, we have a thought every 2.5 seconds. What a great opportunity to fill your day with positive thoughts!
Train of Thought
Thoughts tend to build upon each other. It is not likely that after having a thought like “this is not going well”, that you would have the thought “things are in harmony.” Thoughts, positive or negative, connect to each other like compartments of a train- they pull each other along in the same direction.
Watch your thoughts and get on the positive thought-train going in a positive direction. Once you are on the train, stay on it for as long as you can. You have complete power over your thoughts, so why not get on the best train as often, and for as long, as you can? It’s your choice.
Thoughts and Results
We navigate our lives, take action, and make decisions based on our thoughts; however, we unconsciously think and do things throughout most of the day. In many ways, this is a good thing. For example, it would not be effective or efficient to learn how to drive each time you get into your car.
On the other hand, being on cruise control, or living without conscious intention, may cause you to drive yourself into a ditch! Your relationship with yourself and others may not be as harmonious as you would like. Or perhaps your results and outcomes may not be as optimal as you would like.
Since thoughts precede every action, and action determines results…choose your thoughts well.
“The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them.” Albert Einstein
Thoughts and Emotions
Since thoughts and feelings reinforce each other, the more peaceful your thoughts, the more peaceful your feelings and vice versa. You are more likely to make better decisions if you are at peace. If you are not sure of what you are thinking, pay attention to how you are feeling.
How to Cancel Negative Thoughts: Cancel, Cancel Technique
The goal is to increase the quantity of positive thoughts throughout your day- every day. If you have a negative thought firmly and gently say “cancel, cancel” silently to yourself. If your first thought is negative or judgmental, why not give yourself the opportunity to have a second thought?
Some techniques use a single “cancel”, or“stop”, or “no more.” I like “cancel, cancel” because it shows that I mean business, it does not potentially delay or judge your current thought, and it doesn’t give unnecessary power to your thought.
Very Smart Girls choose their thoughts well.
Please find an update to this blog at Be All of You Today, where I am currently blogging.
photo credit: ramson