Be careful how you think ...

... because your life is shaped by your thoughts. - Proverbs 4:23

That is one of the wisest statements ever made. Don't you agree?

How we think determines our every step, motion, and decision. There are certain things that are out of our control, but the way we handle and react to them is all based in our thoughts.

It seems like a simple truth, but I don't know if a lot of us really understand what this statement means, or the impact that our thoughts have on our life.

For example: "Americas Next Top Model" is a television show where young girls from around the country come to compete for the title of top model, which includes a contract with an elite modeling agency, amongst many other perks. After each photo shoot, the girls must go in front of a panel of judges where they will judge based on performance. A girl may be tall with the perfect bone structure, along with all of the other features that we identify as beautiful, but if she doesn't think she can achieve, or is worthy of the title of top model, she then shapes the judges view to follow those thoughts. Tyra Banks, the host, always picks up on it and says:
"We believe in you but if you don't think you can make it, then we'll think it too."

We need understand the root of our problems, which is based in our thoughts.

Ever 'self-sabotage'? In a relationship or career because it's 'safe'? Well, WHY? How did you get there, and why are you afraid to leave? Question your motives and actions to get to the root of the problem.

If you don't understand yourself, then you'll never be able to identify what's wrong, and the steps you need to take to start fixing it. Now I'm not saying that this road of self-actualization leads to perfection, because that's taking it to another extreme - but I know that inside of all of us there are a couple of things that are within our control that we'd like to change.

You have to perform a 'self-analysis' per-say, and figure out the basis for your actions (or lack thereof).

Why are you 'lazy', or a procrastinator? What are you afraid of? What are you thinking that's causing you not to act?

Why are you in an unhealthy relationship with someone that doesn't give you what you deserve (emotionally)? You obviously don't think you're worth it. Well how did that thought develop?

I've said this before, and I'll say it again - don't be on auto-pilot!
You'll wander through life never knowing the reasons behind anything! That's an unwise way to live - so consider yourself informed. Don't act in ignorance once you're in knowing.

You'll have to reflect in order to bring these thoughts out into the open. Only once they're identified can they be restructured and repaired. The path of self-realization often leads to change.

It's a proces; a scary and uncomfortable one at that. But you have two options in this scenario - you can be complacent, and waste a lot of time, talents, and abilities that were given to you out of fear. OR you can be brave, and try to recognize and identify your faults (and the reasons behind them). The latter will guide you down the path of change, which leads to personal growth and development.