A Penny for Your 50,000 Thoughts
According to psychologists, we each have approximately 50,000 thoughts per day. (If this sounds inconceivable, close your eyes and try counting all the random thoughts that float through your consciousness in 60 seconds.)
Like the Indy 500, most thoughts race through our minds, zoom across our psyche, making an occasional pit stop on our radar of awareness.
Pondering this staggering number, it’s amazing we’re able to communicate coherently or accomplish any task at all. The array of thoughts zipping through our head isn’t necessarily the problem; generally, we function fine.
The greater challenge lies in the quality of these thoughts: Out of the 50,000 thoughts you had yesterday, how many are different from the 50,000 you are having today?
We have the tendency of locking ourselves into patterns of thinking reinforced by beliefs, behaviors and habits. Although each moment is unique—a whole universe within itself—by default, we unknowingly engage analogous thoughts over and over.
Precision focused with positive intention, these thoughts can be powerful allies as you fashion your future. Alas, too often we contemplate the injustices of our unforgiving work environments, replay nonsensical arguments and simmer in ongoing competitive crises.
The qualitative sum of your thoughts defines your experience. Your level of happiness, enthusiasm and centeredness is a byproduct of those racing, aimless thoughts flashing through your psyche.
Gravity tends to pull us toward a lower common denominator. If we remain unaware of our thought patterns, we end up like the vast majority of people who never learn how to craft and live their vision. There are few truly effective Creative Professionals in the world.
Obviously, the power of positive thinking isn’t a new concept. We know. We get it: What we focus on becomes our reality. But with 50,000 whirling thoughts to manage, even our best efforts will likely fall short. So why not try something different?
Find a sacred space within yourself and uncover a land beyond worry, anxiety and anger. Deep in the uncharted corners of your mind await hidden treasures of love and tranquility. Once you unlock the chest, a pool of newfound energy and ideas springs forth.
So what are you thinking about?
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