It is ultimately only our own thoughts that hurt us.
The mind is your battleground. It’s the place where the greatest conflict resides. It’s where half of the things you thought were going to happen, never did happen. But if you allow those thoughts to dwell in your mind, they will succeed in robbing you of peace, joy, and ultimately your life. You will think yourself into a nervous breakdown, into depression, and into defeat. I know because I’ve been there.
What can be done? To start, say this to yourself every morning when you first wake up:
“I’m letting go of all the negative feelings, fears and thoughts from yesterday. I have no room for them! I will focus only on positive thoughts and resolutions today.”
And then practice what you preach. It will gradually make a difference in your life, guaranteed.
NOTE: The points in this post have been updated and moved to here:
20 Tiny Thoughts that Keep Crushing Your Dreams (and Breaking Your Heart)
Photo by: Lauren Rushing
jhm says
Great tips to start a “new” life… in a nutshell.
Charles says
I have struggled with thinking I was never good enough, handsome enough, smart enough even though I was a successful CFO and CEO .
Norah says
I am trying hard to let go of the past, unleash the inner me and move on. I know I have a lot of potential to do my purpose on earth but they are just small things that are keeping from reaching my goals. I need to change my way of thinking cause that is were the problem is…thanks for such a powerful message.
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hello! Brilliant post. Your list is very helpful. Thank you! Sometimes we are our biggest obstacle. We need to just get out of our own heads. 🙂 Have a great week!
Norma Maxwell says
Every word of this is golden…such good reminders for daily living and not giving up on your dreams. Something I say every morning before I start my day, is just a simple, “Thank You.” No matter what is going on, no matter how stressful things are in that moment, starting off the day just giving thanks makes all the difference in my mindset for the day–and reminds me of all I have to be grateful for. I also what you suggested, “I’m letting go of all the negative feelings, fears and thoughts from yesterday. I have no room for them! I will focus only on positive thoughts and resolutions today.” too! Awesome + Awesome. Thank you 🙂
Anne says
I struggle with self forgiveness, which leads to a cycle of not being able to perform because of being angry at myself and then giving up on classes and taking them over and over again.
Elizabeth O'Connor says
Thanks once again for your insights. When I heard my mother talk about the positives of a missing plane, I knew I could try to see the positive about anything. I have been experimenting with it and my stress levels have gone way down. My mental model for just about everything is that things happen for a reason and since we cannot really control anything outside of our own thoughts and decisions I give all that that up to a higher power and accept without fear. This keeps me moving forward in all sorts of conditions and environments and allows me to be open to all opposing views and a wide range of what we call “facts.” Multiple perspectives is intellectually, spiritually and emotionally a more rational platform from which to experience the universe.
Elizabeth O'Connor says
Thanks once again for your insights. When I heard my mother talk about the positives of a missing plane, I knew I could try to see the positive about anything. I have been experimenting with it and my stress levels have gone way down. My mental model for just about everything is that things happen for a reason and since we cannot really control anything outside of our own thoughts and decisions I give all that that up to a higher power and accept without fear. This keeps me moving forward in all sorts of conditions and environments and allows me to be open to all opposing views and a wide range of what we call “facts.” Multiple perspectives is intellectually, spiritually and emotionally a more rational platform from which to experience the universe.
Lisa Madrid says
I need this everyday. After a series of problems and failures in my past, I think I have lost this positivity thing. I have anxiety and depression and it’s hard for me to go out, connect with other people and live life again. Your words touch the real me. They give me great hope that I can soon get back on track and be happy. Thank you.
Mai says
Your insights are powerful reminders. But more than that, reading all the comments made me realize I am not alone in my internal struggles of self-doubt. It is comforting at the same time encouraging. Cheryl’s comment rings true- ” do not overthink life, just live it.” We really create our monsters by overthinking. Mindfulness-being present in the moment instead of being far away in my thoughts- is my constant reminder to myself. It also makes me gratelful for everything around me, from simple joys to all the blessings.
Christine says
The biggest thought that I allow to crush my dreams is “I’m too tired to work on things now.” I know I need to work on increasing my energy and improving my health, but also it’s important to just push past the fatigue and do the things that inspire you.
Hannah says
I will read #20 every day until I live it. Thank you. Xxx