Been reading a few things lately on the importance of our thinking. At the risk of getting too "fluffy," it's likely not addressed enough that our thoughts directly impact our emotions, behaviors and ultimately our leadership. An illustration I recently saw from author Chip Ingram lays it out well:
wrong thinking >>> negative emotions >>> unwise behavior >>> devastating consequences
right thinking >>> positive emotions >>> wise behavior >>> fruitful consequences
Considering that our actions derive directly from our thinking, the following quote from author John Stott should challenge us further.
"Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny."
Bottom line... If we are not getting the results we want or expect each day, could it have something to do with our thinking? Knowing that the only thing we really have any level of control over is ourselves, how do we ensure we have "right thinking" even during difficult circumstances?
Ingram offers up a few recommendations on how to cultivate right thinking:
- Think great thoughts about yourself.
- Think great thoughts about others.
- Think great thoughts about life.
- Think great thoughts about the future.
- Think great thoughts about the past.
- Think great thoughts about challenges.
In addition, John Maxwell has a terrific book on the subject called Thinking for a Change. Here's a link to the book on Amazon. A Kindle version is available.
I welcome your "right" thoughts on how to improve our thinking.