THE VALUE OF YOUR THOUGHTS

Our last discussion was on the inherent power of accepting responsibility for our desired transformation. This month, we will look at another important element in our journey in life. To achieve different results; we must do things differently. There is one thing that must change if you are to be improving. That is your thoughts. “As the man thinketh, so is he”

What is the value of your thoughts? Your thoughts are the self talk within your conscious mind. They are the personal conversations within you and reflect in your disposition. Thoughts are so influencing that they determine our attitudes; our attitude is every other things about us. They are materially important in what we have achieved, going to achieve or will not accomplished. God once said…. “Now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do”. Thoughts and Imagination are synonymous.

For simplicity’s sake, let us classify thoughts into: Negative or positive thoughts; Value adding or Non value adding thoughts.

All negative thoughts are non value adding thoughts. Also positive thoughts not transformed (Hope or Faith without work produce nothing) into visions and actions are non value adding thoughts. For your thoughts to add value to you, they must be positive and motivating. Motivation brings out the action in you.

Why your present thoughts? All factors influencing the way you thinking can be grouped into one. This is called the Paradigm. Paradigm is a multitude of habits or thoughts inherited or impacted on us through our upbringing, environment and past experiences. Below are some old and the transformed paradigms:

Get good grade, get good job/get good grade, and develop more than getting jobs- be an entrepreneur.
What can you get from your country or people/ what can you offer your country or peopler
Be righteous, see success & money as unholy/be righteous, success & money are blessings from God. Be whatever you can righteously be.
Be in politics to steal & be rich/ Be in politics to serve & enrich your community.
To effectively change our thoughts is to truly change our life. Your paradigms must be aligned with your visions. You must avoid paradigm paralysis (the inability or refusal to see beyond your current model of thinking). We need to be consciously aware of what we are thinking and make efforts to stop all negative and non value adding thoughts. Stopping chronic negative thoughts could be difficult with conscious effort, so apply prayers and absolute dependency on God for the desire changes. God’s word and prayers are sure sources of positive changes.

Aside from your conscious and spiritual efforts, you can use Nostalgia and Fantasy to close the gap between your thoughts and visions. Nostalgia is a wistful desire in thoughts. It is a sentimental yearning for the feelings of a former place or time. Fantasy are unrestrained imagination; a mental image of unreal future. You can use both Nostalgia and Fantasy in the following ways:

ü Ensure your nostalgic feelings are only on your positive past. Have nostalgia on things you did to surmount past obstacles and affirm you can still do them again.

ü Fantasize on what you want to achieve, what you want to be known for, the type of influence you want to have on the society and work to actualize them. Make your fantasy real through dedication and concentrated efforts.

ü Dedicate time and create atmosphere for positive thoughts. You could be alone, visit seaside to reflect on your purpose. The world is waiting for the change through your idea.

Changed paradigm, proper use of your Fantasy and Nostalgia will unify your thoughts and desires. The desire to achieve vision creates positive feelings and increases your energy level. All these are steps leading to the achievement of your objectives.

Don’t be successful without being significant. Teach others what you did to achieve that milestone and ensure we equip the coming generation. “Your success without succession is a failure”

You will succeed!

Truly Babs