We Become What We Think About + 3 Positive Thinking Techniques

If there’s one thing that’s constant on a daily basis, it’s our regular thought patterns. Whether our thoughts are positive or negative we become what we think about.

This famous quote “We become what we think about most of the time, and that’s the strangest secret” was said by Earl Nightingale, an American radio speaker and author in the 1950s.

Earl Nightingale focused on human character development and having a meaningful existence in life.

Is it true that we become what we think?

Think of it this way – if you spend a tremendous amount of time thinking about something positive, you will in turn also be planning how to make this thing a reality. You will also be opening yourself up to finding more positive experiences.

On the other hand, if you think a lot about negative situations you will be less inclined to make a positive change.

In the end, our thoughts become our actions and ultimately our reality.

We Become What We Think About – More Quotes

We can also look back in history and find motivation on becoming what you think about.

Here are some similar wise words to consider:

“What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.” – Buddha

There is nothing revolutionary about these words, however, no matter what walk of life you come from, I think you’ll agree that this powerful theory is absolutely true.

To take this further, Dr. John Chuback wrote an article on how the mind is much more powerful than you would imagine.

“Each of us is like an artist, responsible for creating our own exceptional reality.”

– Dr. John Chuback, MD.

So, with this in mind let’s look into ways we can be more positive and rethink our negatives thoughts by looking at the positive instead.

Note: There are times when no amount of positive thinking can change a situation, especially when it comes to severe health problems. I’m not saying that you can positively think cancer or infertility away – but you can adjust your thoughts to support yourself in a more positive way.

3 Great Positive Thinking Techniques

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Since we know what you think about you become, let’s look at some ways you can practice positive thinking.

1. Think of An Alternative Thought

Let’s say you’re walking down the street and you see a friend on the other side of the road. You wave and call their name, but your friend just keeps on walking.

You think to yourself, “of course, they saw and heard me”.

You feel upset, angry, small.

Automatically you think, “She is mad at me and purposely ignored me. What have I done wrong?”

You then constantly let this negative thought swirl out of control, thinking “she doesn’t like me, she doesn’t want to know me anymore”.

If you find yourself in a situation like this – whether it’s a friend who doesn’t see you, a friend who doesn’t respond to your text message or a boss who doesn’t acknowledge your accomplishments, first think about some alternative thoughts. 

Here are some examples that apply:

• She had her headphones in and was in the zone. She probably didn’t see or hear me.
• My friend might have been wrapped up in her own deep thinking and was oblivious to everything around her at that time.
• She was in a rush going to an appointment and had no idea I was on the other side of the street.

As you can see, when you think of an alternative thought the entire situation changes. You feel better and you’re feeling different about what you might originally see as a negative.

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If you’d like to practice this alternative thinking in more depth the cognitive behavioural therapy book ‘Mind Over Mood’ has some excellent thought record worksheets you can use. I used this book when I was doing group therapy for depression and it was tremendously helpful – in fact, life-changing.

To use these worksheets you can pick up the book or go to the website and download the Thought Record worksheet.

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2. Practice Affirmations

If there is an area of your life you’re struggling with, I encourage you to practice affirmations on a daily basis.

Starting your morning with positive affirmations can help you build confidence and provide support to yourself which can help reframe your thoughts.

Here are some great resources to start daily affirmations:

• What are Affirmations and How to Use Them
• 50 Positive Morning Affirmations for Success, Confidence and Happiness
• Mental Health Affirmations for Depression and Anxiety

3. Start Journaling

There is a journaling technique I have used for a few years now that has helped me change my thoughts from negative to positive.

Step 1. Write everything out on one page that’s bothering you. 

Don’t worry about editing or making this look pretty – literally do a brain dump and get all of those negative thoughts that are weighing you down onto the page.

Step 2. On the 2nd page, make a list of people you are grateful for, situations that have gone well for you, things you are proud of and anything else you feel positive about.

Repeating this process on a regular basis helps you to focus on the positive. This is a helpful tool to allow you to become what you think about.

You Become What You Think About & The Law of Attraction

The basis of the law of attraction stems from becoming what we think about.

It’s pretty simple. If you’re a glass-half-empty person who naturally thinks negatively – negative outcomes will follow. If you think positively, you attract positive outcomes.

This is based on thoughts being a form of energy.

And we all know that positive attracts positive and this applies to all areas of your life – relationships, money, career, personal growth and so much more.

Whether you believe in the law of attraction or not, you can’t deny that thinking positively can impact your life for the better.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel motivated knowing that your thoughts truly do become your reality, therefore it’s important to look for ways to practice positivity by using techniques such as:

• Alternative Beliefs
• Daily positive affirmations
• Journaling

Focusing on finding new ways to be positive, even when you’re struggling can be extremely powerful and help you create the kind of life you love.

Related Mental Health Resources:

• Today I Choose Joy: Daily Mood Tracker
• 9 Ways To Stay Positive During Difficult Times
• 10 Reasons Why Life is Beautiful and Worth Living
• How to Stop Ruminating Thoughts – 5 Tips to Stop Overthinking
• How to Love Yourself & Get Rid of Negative Thoughts

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Yolanda xo