Thoughts become words, actions, habits, character

In life, we often find ourselves struggling with our words, actions, habits, and character. Sometimes, we blend what our thoughts to what we say or do, and it becomes so hard to keep up with who we are. We can all agree that words matter, and they have an impact on everything we do. However, it’s crucial to note that they don’t just come out of the blue; they stem from our innermost thoughts. That’s why it’s paramount to be intentional with our thoughts, words, actions, habits, and character.

Thoughts

“Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits, watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” -Frank Outlaw

Our thoughts influence every action we take. They govern how we view things and affect our emotions. Negative thoughts lead to pessimistic views of life, which ultimately cascades to negative outcomes. When we let negative thoughts dictate our view of life, we hinder our growth, perpetuate limiting beliefs, and discourage personal development.

On the other hand, positive thoughts lead to optimism, increased creativity and productivity, inner peace, and happiness. It’s important to acknowledge that positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring reality and pretending everything is fine. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the problem but focusing on the solution rather than the problem.

One can only attain true happiness with a positive mindset. When we focus on the positive, our brains release dopamine, which makes us feel happier and motivated. It’s up to us to train our minds to think positively. Psychology tells us that reality isn’t objective, and what we see is what our minds conclude. Therefore, why not train our minds to conclude the positive.

Words

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Teresa

Words carry immense power. They have the power to heal, encourage, inspire and bring joy. They also have the power to hurt, discourage and cause pain. It’s crucial to note that every word we speak is a reflection of who we are, and as such, it’s important to select them wisely. When we use harsh, hurtful words, we not only create pain for ourselves but also for others.

Kind words, on the other hand, breed positivity and promote meaningful relationships. “Thank you,” “Please,” “I appreciate you,” and “I’m sorry” are small words that have a big impact. They show appreciation, respect, and vulnerability. They also show that you are human and humble, which is an attractive trait to have. When used consistently, these words foster meaningful connections in the workplace, friendships, and even romantic relationships.

Actions

“Action expresses priorities.” – Gandhi

Actions are evidence of our character, which is an integral part of who we are. Actions have the power to convey meaning and truth in ways that words cannot. Character and our actions are synonymous, as our daily actions manifest what’s going on within us. It’s through our actions that we showcase our values, integrity, and morality.

When we have a strong character, our actions reflect that. For instance, if you have strong values, your actions will mirror them. You’ll be honest, kind, and respectful. On the other hand, if you lack character, it’ll show in your actions. You will not be dependable, honest, or accountable. Lack of character leads to mistrust and broken relationships.

To build a strong character, we must do the right thing, even when nobody is looking. We must be accountable for our actions and take responsibility for them. We must also be empathetic enough to recognize when we’ve wronged others and seek to rectify it. It’s important to note that sometimes, it won’t always be easy to do the right thing, but our character will be strengthened by the hard choices we make.

Habits

“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.” – Gandhi

Habits play a crucial role in shaping our daily life. A habit is a routine behavior pattern that’s repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously. Good habits lead to positive outcomes, while bad habits lead to negative outcomes. Habits are formed in the subconscious mind, and it takes intentional effort to create and maintain good habits.

In order to create positive habits, we must first identify the negative habits and their triggers. Once we know what triggers the bad habits, it becomes easier to replace them with good habits. For instance, if you have a habit of eating junk food when you’re stressed, you can replace that habit by drinking a glass of water or going for a walk when you feel stressed.

Habits are not formed overnight; they take time and effort. Patience and consistency are important when trying to build good habits. Building and maintaining good habits foster discipline, which is a vital tool in any commitment that we make, be it in our relationships, work, or personal development.

Character

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” – Helen Keller

Character is an integral part of who we are. It encompasses our values, beliefs, and actions. Character isn’t just about what we do when people are watching; it’s about who we are when nobody is watching. It’s about what we stand for and what we fight against.

Building character is a lifelong commitment. It takes effort, intentionality, and a strong will. However, the rewards of a strong character are numerous. A strong character leads to self-confidence, integrity, and resilience. It also leads to meaningful relationships that are built on trust and loyalty.

In life, we will face trials and challenges that will test our character. It’s during these times that our character is revealed. When we stand by our beliefs despite the circumstances, we illustrate the strength of our character. We must remain steadfast in our values and beliefs, even when the going gets tough.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our thoughts, words, actions, habits, and character are intertwined, and they form who we are. It’s paramount to be intentional about all of them, as they define our personal and professional life. When we choose to have positive thoughts, use kind words, take accountable and intentional actions, build good habits, and have strong character, we prepare ourselves for success in all areas of our lives. Let’s strive to be the best version of ourselves, and success will follow.