Change Your Thoughts, Change Your World

#ThoughtHealing Quote For The Week: “The way we habitually think of our surroundings and ourselves create the worlds that each of us inhabit.” Charles Duhigg

Habits are powerful—and largely invisible. They can shape our lives far more than we realize. We might not remember the experiences that created our habits, but once they become fixed in our minds, they influence how we act – often without our even being aware of them. We may find ourselves clinging to them no matter what, even if they defy basic common sense.

Some of our habits can be “good” and drive us to success. Consider Stephen Covey’s runaway, and perennial, 1989 bestseller, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” It has sold more than 15 million copies in 38 languages worldwide, and the audio version has sold 1.5 million copies. In August 2011 Time listed 7 Habits as one of “The 25 Most Influential Business Management Books.” 

Plus, this book has spawned a plethora of offshoots, follow-ons, and copy cats; I’m thinking about writing one called, “The 7 Habits of Highly Annoying German Shepherds.” (Screeching at the top of their lungs over nothing would be #1 on my list.)

Some habits can also be “bad,” which is defined as “leading to adverse consequences.” A 2004 JAMA article reported that the leading causes of death in 2000, according to CDC mortality data, were tobacco use; poor diet and physical inactivity; and alcohol consumption. In other words, over 35 percent of all deaths could have been avoided if people had “just” changed their habitual behaviors.

And then there are the habits that create the worlds we inhabit.

When thinking about our lives, most of us do what I call “snapshotting.” We see our lives in a certain way, like a photo, and we freeze it at that moment. We look through the lens, we frame the image in the way that is most pleasing to us, and we capture that perception. We like the results, and so we leave it as is. And, we inhabit these worlds, comfortably and unconsciously, often for years.

Then something happens that either allows us or forces us to change how we habitually think of our surroundings and our snapshotted lives, and we are faced with a decision: either keep the image as is or look at the image in a different way, to frame the external surroundings or to match our new, internal perceptions.

Thinking about your life, what worlds have you created and now inhabit as a result of your habitual thoughts? More importantly, which worlds would you LIKE to inhabit?

Think about it!

Want to know more about transforming limited thoughts and beliefs into limitless possibilities? Check out my Examine – Envision – Emerge© Personal Transformation Book Series. Each book explores a particular aspect of thought healing. Find yours at your favorite retailer today!