Identify the Root of Your Thinking

Every thought that you think has come from somewhere.

Books.
Your upbringing.
Lived experiences.
Religion.
Podcasts.
Music.

The list goes on.

Thoughts aren’t inherently bad.

Though, the emotion that we attach to them could make it such.

For instance, some may think that work from home is ineffective, and others may think that work from home is effective. Each side would undoubtedly be able to produce evidence to support their view; outlining what makes it effective or ineffective. And regardless of where you stand on the mentioned topic, you may feel frustrated, misunderstood, and convinced that others (those who believe differently) “just don’t get it.” Thus, putting you in an emotional state that could produce negative and/or unproductive behaviors.

While it’s understandable that there may be subjects or things that arise in life that make us incredibly frustrated, if we never pause to understand the root of our thinking — in other words, why it is we believe so strongly about something — not only do we limit our connections, but we can bring ourselves unnecessary suffering.

Considering such, our challenge this week is to identify your common thought patterns (how and what do you think mostly?) and choose a few to then examine the root of your thinking.

The challenge: identify the root of your thinking!

This challenge isn’t in place for you to change your thinking. Unless you uncover that’s the most productive path forward.

Instead, the goal is to understand your thinking.

As an example, if you identify that you commonly think “kindness is weakness,” you may consider asking yourself one or all of these questions below:

When did I begin believing this?
If it appears I’ve always believed this, why have I believed it?
Did my parents tell me so?
Did I witness kind people get hurt?
Was my kindness taken advantage of?

Of course, some questions you may ask, of this particular example or others, may require deep thinking and be difficult to confront. That said, engage to your level of comfort and willingness.

Below are some other examples of common thoughts that you may find relevant to you. If one or all are, commit to asking yourself: where did these thoughts come from?

I always have to be productive.
I’m not good with money.
People will disappoint me.
I’m not creative.
It’s too late for me to change.

You may uncover that a belief about your worth came from a single moment of rejection in childhood. Or, that your view on relationships stems from watching dysfunction at home. Or that your sense of “never enough” came from a job or leader.

Whatever you find, sit with it. Acknowledge it. Then ask:

“Is this thought serving me today?”

And,

“Is this the kind of thinking that aligns with who I want to become?”

If the answer is no, this is your opportunity to start rewriting it!

You get to decide what’s true or what’s just familiar.

Promise yourself that this is the week where you’ll observe your thoughts, and then follow them down to their roots.

You may be surprised by what you find.

Wishing you a week of clarity, courage, and deep personal insight.