You Are What You Think

As the famous Henry Ford put it, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right.” In so few words, this quote illuminates the idea that life isn’t about whether you can or can’t achieve your goals and find success. The key is to focus on whether you “think” you can.

This mantra speaks on many levels about the true power of the human mind and the intentions of everyday thought. Throughout our young-adult lives, the anxiety and frantic thoughts about the future overwhelm our mental space and cloud our sense of confidence and purpose. Expectations rise with each year of our educational experience, and we may stumble along crossroads of emotional tolls and high-stake decisions. We ask ourselves questions surrounding the future of our career, health, love, and family. Every day, we strive for a better understanding of our personal goals and how to become our ideal selves. It can be difficult, but I am here to remind you that you have absolutely no limit to your success. There is no ceiling to human achievement, and that begins with you! If you are someone who taints their thoughts with negative limitations and harsh criticisms, imagine how your life would change if you focused on positivity and empowerment with every thought. Needless to say, you may attract exactly what you think.

The idea that thoughts manifest in everyday life is not a new one. From ancient Buddhism to modern self-help regimens, it’s been understood that the law of attraction is real and powerful. For instance, perhaps you feel stuck at a dead-end job with little personal or career growth. You feel like you’ve done everything under the sun to find your dream job. But when confronted with job applications and requirements, you feel as if you don’t quite fit the bill and that you aren’t worthy of the position. Finally, you worry about rejection and stay at your job to wait for other opportunities to come your way. If you saturate your mind with negative thoughts that only harm your psyche, this will affect the outward manifestation of those thoughts in your life. You may never find what you are truly looking for. Instead, think positively when you look at that long job application and finish it with vigor. If you stumble across rejection, rethink how you manage that feeling. Whether you are trying to improve your career or small parts of your daily routine, there are ways to tackle negativity and enhance positive thinking every day! Try these tips:

Wake up every morning with a positive affirmation. You should set an intention for the day and revisit it at night, before you go to sleep.

•  For example, tell yourself, “Today, I choose to be happy and live in joy. My possibilities are endless.” How did your thoughts reflect happiness and joy throughout your day?

Concentrate on visualizing your goals.

•  For example, instead of writing a boring to-do list, create a dream board and visualize details of your life you strive to create. Think about where you want to be, who you want to be, and create a physical visualization of it.

Find positive ways to handle negative emotions. 

•  For example, when you make a mistake (every human does), notice how you react. Ask yourself, “What is one good thing that came from this mistake?” Think about the positive outcomes of the situation.

There is opportunity in every second of the day, think positively and you will find your way.