How to Create Positive Thought Patterns  

How to Create Positive Thought Patterns

In recent years, there have been large shifts in our conscious awareness. Evidence of this shift in awareness can be seen in the increasing popularity of such luminaries as Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer and others. At the same time, we have seen books like "The Secret" grab a hold of the public's imagination, sparking lively debates about the role thoughts play in shaping our reality. The debate is a healthy one.

With all this talk about the effects of positive thinking, how is that we still seem to end up with the same kind of thoughts in our daily lives?

This quote by Gandhi demonstrates that our beliefs are where we must begin to change our lives and our destiny. It is through this awareness that we can truly achieve sustainable change.

"Your beliefs become your thoughts Your thoughts become your words Your words become your actions Your actions become your habits Your habits become your values Your values become your destiny." -- Mahatma Gandhi

Our goals and intentions are filtered through our beliefs and then become our thoughts. An intention is anything from "I want to create a new business," to "I will spend more time with my family this year." When our goals and intentions are filtered through our beliefs they either become self-empowering thoughts or self-limiting thoughts. But what do I mean by beliefs? According to the Webster's Dictionary, a belief is a mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, actuality, or validity of something. Many of our beliefs are held at the subconscious level of the mind. These beliefs are impervious to the facts, reason, willpower, or motivation. This is why positive thinking and self-realization may not create the desired change. By learning how to listen to your thoughts, you can begin to "re-program" your thinking to create self-enhancing thoughts.

Here are two simple tools you can use to create positive thought patterns:

1. Use the "cancel, cancel" technique. When you have a negative thought whether it is aimed at yourself or even another driver on the road who has just cut you off, you say "cancel, cancel," to yourself and follow that thought up with a positive thought. This can feel weird at first but this interrupts the negative thought pattern and starts to build new pathways to more self enhancing thoughts.

2. Practice meditation. Meditation is simply setting time aside every day for quiet mindfulness. You can even sit quietly for just 5 minutes a day to begin your meditation practice. Find a peaceful comfortable place in your home and set an egg timer for 5 minutes. Intend to sit and relax for that time. As thoughts come to your mind, and they will, acknowledge the thought and then let it go. If it helps, you can visualize your thoughts as a bubble floating away from you. This teaches you how to listen and be more conscious of your thoughts throughout the day. Then it will be easier to use the "cancel, cancel" technique.

These are two simple techniques you can start to use today to create self-enhancing thoughts. You will start seeing the results in your life as you learn to shift your thoughts. A great quote to remember from Wayne Dyer is "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

About the Author

Joanne Hernon teaches business strategy workshops and provides private coaching. As the owner of a successful coaching practice, she has developed simple step-by-step programs which enables her clients to achieve results. By integrating spiritual principles and practical business strategies, her unique approach increases profits with more joy and ease. She has almost 20 years experience in small business with 10 of those years in corporate sal

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