Editor’s Note: This article was originally published 12th October 2020 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and competence.
Story on the Power of Your Mind
In a space of three seconds, Anthony reached for his pocket. The rough texture that made contact with his fingers brought a meteor of a smile on his face; his brown worn-out animal skin wallet was the last gift he got from his father four years back before he was laid to rest. He had guarded it more than the treasures he put in it. Most people who haven’t heard a word about Anthony’s dad wonder what significance is the almost worn-out wallet to him when he can purchase better ones.
It was 11:30 am as he stood over the counter of the cafeteria to get a bottle of chilled fruit drink. As he pulled out his wallet, he callously used his big thumb and forefinger to open the magnetized button. In the wallet, Nigeria’s highest denomination of currency was neatly arranged. For the past year, he has resolved to leave only N1000 notes in the wallet while he keeps the less expensive notes in his second wallet. Anytime he goes out with the second wallet, it’s almost impossible to see him giving out N1000 in exchange for a service or product because he doesn’t put such a denomination there. It was a principle he diligently has been holding up to, for the past year.
Your life is a replica of your thoughts. And your thought is a replica of what you feed your mind with. Anthony, in the story above, showed us how hard it is to give out something you don’t have. His two wallets describe how you can’t feed your mind with “things of less value and expect to bring things of high value” to the table of life.
This is very true about our conscious mind. When your conscious mind sees a tree, it works with your subconscious mind to interpret and give out the exact result of what your eyes sensed. This principle is perfectly applied also when you continue to think, “less valuable, less efficient, or low” of yourself. Your life will begin to produce and find expression in the reality of those attributes you sensed you have. Ever seen a boy who watches more combat-oriented animations? He is often effortlessly forced to practice some of the moves he has been feeding his mind with. That’s how powerful the human conscious mind is, in processing what you feed it with.
Understanding the Power of Your Mind/Thoughts
The Mind is a Creative Force
Your thoughts are more than just fleeting moments of consciousness; they are the seeds from which your reality grows. Just as Anthony only kept high-value notes in his main wallet, your mind works similarly, storing the thoughts and beliefs you value the most. Over time, these thoughts manifest in your life, shaping your experiences and outcomes. If you constantly feed your mind with empowering, positive thoughts, you create a life filled with success and happiness. Conversely, if your mind is cluttered with negative, limiting beliefs, you will find yourself trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction and unfulfilled potential.
Also read: How to forgive yourself for your past mistakes
The Connection Between Thoughts and Reality
The connection between thoughts and reality isn’t just philosophical—it’s backed by science. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, plays a significant role in how our thoughts shape our lives. When we consistently think in a certain way, our brain strengthens the neural pathways associated with those thoughts, making it easier for us to think that way in the future. This is why positive thinking can lead to a more positive life, and why negative thinking can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The Influence of Thoughts on Mental Health or Emotional Well-being
Your thoughts also have a profound impact on your emotional well-being. Positive thoughts can boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and improve your overall outlook on life. On the other hand, negative thoughts can drain your energy, lower your mood, and create a sense of hopelessness. This is why it’s so important to cultivate a habit of positive thinking—it not only shapes your reality but also influences your emotional state and overall quality of life.
The Impact of Positive Affirmations on Your Mind /Thoughts
Positive affirmations are short, powerful statements that you repeat to yourself to challenge and overcome negative thoughts. They are designed to reprogram your mind, replacing negative beliefs with positive ones. Examples of positive affirmations include “I am capable of achieving my goals,” “I am worthy of love and respect,” and “I am in control of my thoughts and emotions.”
Also read: Differences between purpose & destiny
How Affirmations Influence the Mind
The power of positive affirmations lies in their ability to influence your subconscious mind. When you repeatedly affirm something to yourself, your subconscious mind begins to accept it as truth. This, in turn, shapes your thoughts, feelings, and actions, helping you to manifest the reality you desire. Many people have experienced profound changes in their lives simply by incorporating positive affirmations into their daily routines.
Practising the Habit of Daily Affirmations
To get the most out of positive affirmations, it’s important to be consistent and intentional. Start by choosing a few affirmations that resonate with you and commit to repeating them to yourself every day. You can say them out loud, write them down, or even meditate on them. The key is to believe in the affirmations and to repeat them often enough that they become ingrained in your subconscious mind.
Imagine if you consistently feed your mind with words that can change your life better, words that can heal you, words that can strengthen you, and words that can create opportunities for you. Or say, you consistently hang around people of rich values or engage in profiting activities? You will begin to see how your life is being transformed by what your mind constantly captures and reiterates in your thoughts.
One of the ways I have empowered myself is by consistently affirming positive and growth-enriching words to myself daily Brian Tracy’s thoughts on this goes thus, “Positive affirmations are also beneficial for keeping our brains occupied with pleasant and empowering thoughts or visualisations.”
Feed your mindset with these positive affirming statements.
God bless the work of your hand and establish you
Amen. Thanks a lot you.