Submitted by Gainsborough-Smythe t3_yk9f6q in GetMotivated
nature_remains t1_iut31kh wrote
Reply to comment by ValyrianJedi in [tool] Observe... by Gainsborough-Smythe
I'm not, like, a massive fan of The Secret or the alleged 'magical powers' of what is termed the law of attraction (for the same reasons that I think any belief system can be harmful when you take it too far and shut out necessary parts of reality). However, I think that there is a lot of practical wisdom behind the principle of taking control of your thoughts - which is what I believe this quote is getting at (regardless of who said it). Although bad experiences are inevitable and negative thoughts can be both useful and necessary, I think that there is a tremendous value in training our brains to focus on the outcomes and ideas that we want more of in our lives. Unfortunately, there are quite a few folks who thoughtlessly peddle various brands of bullshit toxic positivity that bastardize this term. They tend to preach that positive thinking (positive honking if you are my phone's autocorrect) as though it is a type of supernatural force that is 100% effective at bringing about the seemingly impossible (and if you don't achieve success it is because you failed in your methodology - convenient) or alternately, it is used as a type of hollow mantra that will eventually be believed if you just say it long enough or see it frequently enough without doing the work - conveniently a great way to sell merch also.
Instead I think the value lies in harnessing the brain's tremendous power as a muscle by strengthening your resolve to achieve xyz by specifically targeting targeting neural pathways that take you there. It's a fucking hike at first and can feel pretty unnatural and like a pointlessly difficult exercise in futility where you are trying to trick yourself (it did for me anyway as I am naturally cynical and my internal monologue trends toward being an unfairly negative self-critic of the highest order). So I was fucking stunned stupid by the impact this [initially] labored shift in thinking had on my life -- in achieving my own goals and in my attitude towards life. It unexpectedly had this incredibly transformative effect on my relationships as well. The quality of my interactions with others heightened and I found myself learning and valuing people I had long ago written off as incapable of providing me with anything. Anyway, I chose to vomit this insight out because it was just so much more worthwhile than I expected and I needed to write it down as a reminder to myself that it is worth the effort (I have let it wane as of late). Perhaps it will be useful to you in your own life. If not, I hear they're doing awesome shit with crystal balls these days.
Good luck to you! (I know you are half joking but I recommend starting by doing all you can to focus on things you genuinely value in your partner and job and go from there. If nothing else, it'll be helpful in the upcoming divorce and termination proceedings lest you inadvertently allow all the bad to spill out :)
wholesome_cream t1_iutbrbk wrote
Great comment
Greenbeano_o t1_iuuuhtf wrote
Awesome stuff. Any particular books that have helped you the most in taking control of your thoughts in a beneficial way?
faahqueimmanutjawb t1_iuv30bb wrote
Thanks for the comment.
I had read a comment on another forum where the commenter talked about how your subconscious is helping you navigate life; and that the positive thoughts, affirmations, prayers etc are just you telling your subconscious what you seek. The subconscious then filters your experiences or it highlights what you seek when you come across it instead of drowning it out in the noise of experience.
Also related: my uncle who's fairly religious and I (quite agnostic) have discussions regarding spirituality. He's told me several times that it boils down to reaffirming your belief in your own capabilities and strength. The more you believe that you are strong and capable, the more you will be seeking to do and achieve - and the more successful outcomes you will likely have.
[deleted] t1_iutoe93 wrote
[removed]
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments