Recently in the field of success and personal development, there has been a school of thought that has emerged claiming that our thoughts can bring things into reality. While this is true, there is generally a step in-between thoughts and results. This step is action, our own efforts required to turn our thoughts into results.
Too many people have taken this teaching to heart as they sit on their couch watching a DVD or reading a book as they await what they believe will be their inevitable success. Our thoughts rarely change results directly. Instead, our thoughts change us, then we act, bringing on the results we desire.
If someone claims to believe something, but they do not act upon it, I question their belief.
I am sitting in my office as I dictate the words for this column. If someone rushed in and shouted, “The building’s on fire!” but I just continued to just sit here dictating, they would wonder whether I heard their warning and if I believe them or not. If I told them that I did hear them and believe them but continued to sit here, taking no action, there is an obvious disconnect. The warning of the fire is intended to change my thoughts, eliciting an action such as exiting the building which would bring the desired result of saving my life.
Simply understanding there is a fire and even thinking about the fire without action cannot bring a positive result. In this case, it could bring a very deadly result.
Shakespeare said that our eyes are the windows to our soul. I believe that our actions provide a window or a clue to our thoughts. No matter what someone tells you they know, think, or believe, their actions will always give them away. People can claim to be serious about their goals and committed to the results, but if you simply examine their checkbook and their calendar, the reality will be clear.
How we spend our time and how we spend our money reveal our thoughts and the underlying priorities. I hope you will take control of your thoughts to an extent where they take control of your actions and provide the results you desire. You may be able to fool your friends, your family, and even the whole world, but you’ll never fool your thoughts.
As you go through your day today, master your thoughts.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082; by email at Jim@JimStovall.com; on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stovallauthor; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimstovallauthor.
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