#16 - Personal Growth Begins in the Mind
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
Marcus Aurelius wasn't just a Roman Emperor but a philosopher who deeply understood the power of the human mind.
This quote points to the crux of personal growth: your mind. We can't control the world but we can control how we respond to it.
Featured Gems of the Week:
Dose of Growth: Setting Self-Imposed Deadlines: A practical guide on how self-imposed deadlines can boost productivity.
11 Books That Will Change Your Perspective on Life: A collection of books to challenge your worldview and inspire a new outlook.
Dose of Growth: Growth Mindset Mantras: Cultivate a positive mindset with these empowering mantras.
Podcast Recommendation:
The Bedros Keuilian Show: A dynamic podcast hosted by Bedros Keuilian, a high-performance coach and entrepreneur, where he shares insights on leadership, personal development, and achieving success in business and life.
Book Recommendation:
Atomic Habits by James Clear: This book provides a comprehensive and practical guide on habit formation, demonstrating how tiny changes in behavior can lead to remarkable results.
Growth Nugget #2: Control Negative Thoughts with Gratitude.
Transitioning from dependency to independence is more challenging than is often acknowledged.
This shift, while exciting, involves a complex mental transition.
As you grow, you must control your lives and minds.
This idea resonates with the ancient wisdom of The Kybalion, which states, "The ALL is Mind. The Universe is mental."
To control your life, start with your thoughts.
By controlling your thoughts, you shape your emotions and behaviors, leading to different life outcomes.
Controlling your thoughts fundamentally shapes your emotions and behaviors because thoughts are the precursors to feelings and actions.
If we learn to steer our thoughts in a positive and productive direction, we can influence our emotional responses and subsequently guide our behaviors towards desired outcomes.
Harness the Power of Gratitude
Consider spending less time on your phone and more on activities that bring you joy and meaning.
Think about all the time you spend complaining, which could be replaced with expressions of gratitude.
To be happy is a choice you must make every day regardless of the external circumstances.
In times of turmoil, it may be helpful to remember this: there's always a reason to be grateful. That's not to diminish your struggles but to help you regain perspective and find strength in gratitude.
For instance, if you lose your job, it's normal to feel upset.
However, try to view it as an opportunity for growth and express gratitude for the skills you've gained.
If your car breaks down, acknowledge the frustration but also appreciate the fact that you have a vehicle.
Choosing to see the silver lining in the worst situations takes practice, but the more you do it, the easier life gets.
Each day, appreciate the safety and security in your life, recognizing that others around the world face challenging circumstances.
30-Day Gratitude Challenge
Here's a task: Start a Gratitude List.
Each day for the next 30 days, write down three things you're grateful for.
This simple act of acknowledging your blessings can significantly improve your mindset and perspective.
“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”
- Cynthia Ozick
How has your perspective changed after 30 days of gratitude? Return here and share your transformation in the comments.
