The Power of Thinking Positively

Henry Ford once said, “What we believe is true, comes true. What we believe is possible, becomes possible.” Positive thinking can be defined as “possessing an optimistic outlook and attitude in life.” However, I’ve come to see it as much more than that. Our thoughts shape our reality. The way we think then determines the way we speak, act, and ultimately, it determines the course of our life. So it isn’t far off to say that everything begins with thought, and that our lives as we know them are merely a result of what we are thinking. Therefore, if there’s a result you’ve been getting in your life that you don’t like, it means there needs to be a change in your thinking. And that’s where the power of thinking positively comes in. It’s been said that “one small positive thought in the morning can change your entire day.” Thinking positively has the power to transform our lives in an incomparable way. I love the way Brother Bhaktananda (Senior Minister, The Self Realization Temple) likened how our thoughts shape our lives to that of a sculptor creating a beautiful masterpiece. He writes:

"A beautiful statue is not just the work of a chisel and hammer; behind it lie many thousands of thoughts. The chisel and hammer just get rid of unnecessary stone or marble, so that the sculptor's ideas can manifest. Without his thoughts, that statue could not be created. Likewise, the millions of thoughts we think over the years 'chisel' our most important creation--our life. That is why positive thinking is so important."

Your thoughts are shaping your current and future reality. Mahatma Gandhi once said “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” A wise Proverb again affirms this truth, telling us: “As a man thinks, he becomes” (Proverbs 23:7). You and your life are a reflection of your thoughts. Are you thinking the kind of thoughts that will contribute to the life you desire? Or have you allowed yourself to succumb to the negative thoughts of fear, worry, and anxiety? Whatever the answer may be, the good news is that it is never too late to change your way of thinking. Remember:

“Watch your thoughts, they become words;

Watch your words, they become actions;

Watch your actions, they become habits;

Watch your habits, they become character;

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

-FRANK OUTLAW