102: Fix Your Thoughts

It's amazing how much thinking we do.

Personally, I think a lot.

I'm actually paid to think and create.

It's why I truly love what I do as a writer, creator, mentor, coach, and consultant.

Thinking inspires.

Thinking compels.

Thinking creates opportunity.

But...

Thinking is also toxic, debilitating, and with evil intentions - dangerous!

During a recent early morning scripture meditation a Bible reference made me think.

In fact, it focused directly on my thinking.

"Fix your thoughts..."1

The narrative continues with what I'm encouraged to actually fix my thoughts on, such as certain character traits.

But I was "fixated" at that moment on the "fix your thoughts" idea.

The message (for me) being that of repairing or renewing my thinking.

I'm compelled by the idea that what most often derails us as we age has as much to do with our thinking as with our health and wellness.

Good thinking would naturally lead to productive action while bad thinking (the kind that needs fixing) would typically lead to unproductive or unhealthy action.

Effective aging flows in the direction of your strongest and most compelling thoughts

I have my days where my mind is all over the map - worrying, hoping, catastrophizing, believing the best or the worst...you name it...thoughts cross my mind!

I become fixed on crap that keeps me off-balance and feeling broken.

Instead, I must realize that what's broken can be fixed.

That's essential as you and I age and especially if longevity is your goal.

You can:

• Repair your thinking
• Remain in control of your thinking
• Release new potential through your thinking

Repair your thinking

You've heard it said that, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Attempting to fix something that's working effectively can do more harm than good.

On the other hand, broken thoughts do indeed require repair.

By broken thoughts I'm referring to toxic, bitter, or unproductive ways of thinking.

Many of the generational curses that have been passed along to you can be sourced in generations of broken, toxic thinking.

Worse, without repair, they get passed on and in the process entire legacies are damaged and in some cases destroyed.

And it all started with thinking that was jacked-up somewhere along the way.

• Decide that you can think your way out of trouble, despair, destructive thoughts just as easy as you can think your way into them.
• Think solutions instead of solely thinking on the problems or woes you encounter.
• Think through your decisions in advance by considering how much trouble you've gotten into probably started with the words: "I'm thinking about doing..."

Remain in control of your thinking

We lose our minds over things we can't control.

Envision two circles: one is a circle of concern and one is a circle of influence.

Which of the two do you THINK has the most power?

Those things you lose your mind over most often are what's in your circle of concern.

You can try, but you rarely have the ability to control them.

But your circle of influence - you have some degree of control over it.

• Relax your mind: slow your spinning (monkey-mind, as I call it) thoughts by pausing, breathing, and letting your mind drift for a moment or two - the pause will do you good.
• Stretch your mind: listen to and/or read books and content that causes you to think instead of media fluff that numbs or dulls your thinking.
• Fill your thoughts routinely with the outcomes you desire: journal, meditate, or seek help from a counselor, coach, mentor, or close, trusted friend.

Release new potential through your thinking

I have hope for my generational demographic in addition to those ahead of and behind me generationally speaking.

My hope is a core motivation for why I think and write on personal growth, aging, and longevity.

I have strong hope that whatever generation you're in, you'll age different (and better) than the status quo.

For such hope to be fulfilled, you must think outside-the-box about growth, aging, and longevity.

• Think about aging as full of new opportunity instead of being a victim of your particular age.
• Think about the wisdom you've gained instead of worrying about the mistakes you've made.
• Think about the legacy you're creating instead of dwelling on what you've failed to accomplish.

Fixing your thoughts is both restorative and reflective - either outcome will enhance how think about aging

• Repair your thinking
• Remain in control of your thinking
• Release new potential though your thinking

Press on,

Eddie

Sources:

1 - Philippians 4:8, New Living Translation