Working closely with a professional online counselor can help us see how thoughts have a powerful impact on the way we live our lives. They can shape our outlook, attitude, and behavior, and have an impact on our overall happiness and well-being. More often than not, we are not aware of the thoughts that influence our behavior. Thoughts happen in a split second and just outside our awareness. The good news is that you can take control of your thoughts and use them to create a positive change in your life. In this blog post, we will discuss three ways your thoughts affect your behavior and how you can use this knowledge to become a happier and healthier person.
Thoughts influence feelings
Our thoughts have a direct impact on the way we feel. When we have positive thoughts, we feel happy and upbeat, while negative thoughts can lead to feelings of sadness or anxiety. When we allow negative thoughts to control our behavior, they can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. For instance, if you tell yourself that you are going to fail before you even start, chances are you will not accomplish your goals. That is why identifying and challenging negative thoughts is essential to creating a happier and healthier life.
Sometimes we are not aware of the thoughts that affect our behavior. Thoughts often occur rapidly, automatically, and just out of our awareness.
Mind Over Mood
Action Step: When you notice a negative thought, take a deep breath and challenge it with a positive one. For instance, if you think, “I am not good enough to get this job,” replace it with, “I am confident and capable of doing great things.”
Thoughts shape perspective
Our thoughts are the lens through which we view the world. They mold our perspective and influence the way we react to situations. If we have a negative view of the world, everything we see will be colored in a negative hue. On the other hand, having a positive outlook allows us to see the good in people and situations, leading to a more fulfilling and pleasant life experience.
Action Step: Take note of your daily thoughts and evaluate if they are positive or negative. If they lean towards the negative, try to find positive aspects of a given situation and focus on those instead.
Thoughts affect actions
Our thoughts do not only affect our feelings and perspective, but they also impact our actions. Our behaviors are driven by our thoughts, whether conscious or unconscious. If we find ourselves procrastinating, it may be because we are telling ourselves we cannot do it or that it’s too hard. By changing the way we think and approaching tasks with a positive attitude, we can change our behavior to be more proactive and productive.
Action Step: Set yourself up for success by affirming positive thoughts and reminding yourself of your capabilities. By doing so, you will be more likely to take actions that lead to success in achieving your goals.
Your thoughts are one of the most potent tools you have to shape your life. Sometimes the best way to learn about your thoughts is to work with a professional online counsellor. By being aware of the thoughts that affect your behavior, you can identify negative patterns and make changes that lead to more fulfilling experiences. Remember, positive thinking leads to positive actions that build a happier and healthier life. Use these action steps to challenge those negative thoughts, shift your perspective, and take action that aligns with your goals. When you change your thoughts, you have the power to change your life.