The idea that, overtime, we will become what we mostly think about has been around for thousands of years.
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”~ Proverb 23:7 NKJ
Dan Rockwell does an excellent job of unpacking six area in which harmful and negative thinking can reside in our lives as leaders.
Guest Post by Dan Rockwell
“Everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality.” ~ Robin Sharma. Leadership begins in the mind. Toxic thought-habits pollute the future. A cynical mind produces toxic results. Better thinking = better leading.
Six Toxic Thought-Habits Including Replacements:
1. Chronic Worry
Worry wastes energy on ‘what ifs.’ It breeds hesitation and fear-based posturing. Replacement: Action answers anxiety. Ask, “What’s my next bold step?” “Anxiety quickly demoralizes the whole man, and unfits him for the performance of his duties.” —James Allen
2. Aimlessness
Busy leaders lose direction. A wandering mind builds confused teams. When you don’t know what matters, no one else will. Replacement: Recall the big picture. Ask, “What’s our purpose today?”
3. Cynicism
Cynicism feels smart but stalls progress. Negativity has gravity. It drains morale. Replacement: Ask, “What’s possible now?” “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” —Marcus Aurelius
4. Blaming Others
Blame is easy. Growth is hard. Weak leaders point fingers. Strong leaders practice self-reflection. Replacement: Ask, “How have I contributed to this situation?”
5. Victim Mentality
Powerless people can’t lead. Victim thinking delays change and prolongs mediocrity. Replacement: Focus on what you can do. “You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.” —James Allen
6. Self-Pity
Pity weakens. Feeling entitled blinds you to growth. Replacement: Ask, “How can I own my trajectory now?” “A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile…” —James Allen Remarkable leaders reject toxic thought-habits. “Self-control is strength; Right thought is mastery; Calmness is power.” —James Allen
What toxic thought-habits do you wish leaders would overcome?
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