Are All of Your Thoughts Trustworthy?

Today I want to talk about something that has a profound effect on every single one of us:

The Danger of Unquestioned Thoughts

As a coach, I have a front-row seat to the power of our thoughts.

Our thoughts can either propel us forward or hold us back. A large percentage of the outcomes we experience in life can be traced back to what we think about ourselves, others, and the world.

Did you know we have between 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts every single day?

That's a staggering number.

Even more surprising is that 80% of our thoughts are negative. It’s easy to let them run wild without taking any time to examine them. The problem is, when we don't pause to question our thoughts, we risk accepting them as absolute truth, even when they may be inaccurate or incomplete.

The stakes are high when it comes to unquestioned thoughts.

They keep us stuck in negative patterns, limit our potential, and prevent us from experiencing the growth and happiness at our fingertips. I've seen clients who have held themselves back for decades because they believed thoughts like, "I'm not good enough", "I'll never be able to achieve my goals”, or “I’m not the type of person who can (fill in the blank)”. 

The common mistake we make is assuming our thoughts are accurate and complete.

We tend to trust our own minds without considering that our thoughts may be biased, influenced by past experiences, or simply not based on reality. When you learn to examine your thoughts objectively, you’ll find that many of your limiting beliefs and negative self-talk are not grounded in truth at all.

This realization opens up new possibilities and allows you to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace the truth. 

5 Steps to Evaluate Your Thoughts

By the way, it can be difficult to do this on your own. Consider processing this with a friend. Or if you want help from a trained professional, schedule a free Discovery Call with a Certified Primal Question Coach. 

Here's what I recommend:

1. Notice Your Thoughts

The first step is to become aware of the thoughts that arise in your mind.

Pay attention to the constant stream of inner dialogue and start to observe your thoughts as they come and go. This may take some practice, but with time, you'll become more attuned to your thought patterns.

2. Determine if the Thought is Helpful

Once you've noticed a thought, ask yourself, "Does this thought serve who I want to become?"

This question helps you evaluate whether the thought aligns with your values, goals, and desired identity. If the answer is no, it may be a sign that the thought is not helpful or accurate.

3. Assess if the Thought is True

The next question to ask is, "Is this thought accurate and complete?"

Take a moment to examine the evidence for and against the thought. Is it based on facts, or is it an assumption or generalization? Are there any aspects of the situation that the thought might be overlooking? Answering these questions can help you determine the validity of the thought.

4. Categorize Your Thoughts

Based on your answers to the two questions, determine if the thought belongs in the nonsense, contemplation, or action bucket.

Nonsense thoughts are those that are inaccurate, unhelpful, or untrue. Disregard them. Contemplation thoughts require further reflection and examination. Action thoughts are those that are accurate, helpful, and aligned with your goals.

5. Take Appropriate Action

Finally, take action based on the category of the thought.

If the thought is in the action bucket, create a plan to implement it and take concrete steps forward. If the thought is in the nonsense bucket, practice letting it go and replacing it with a more accurate or helpful thought. If the thought is in the contemplation bucket, take time to explore it further and seek additional information or perspectives.

By implementing these strategies, you can start to take control of your thoughts instead of letting them control you.

Remember, your thoughts have the power to shape your reality.

By questioning them and ensuring they are aligned with your goals and values, you can unlock your full potential and experience the personal growth and well-being available to you.

This week, I challenge you to notice your thoughts and question them using the formula I shared.

Pay attention to how this practice shifts your perspective and opens up new possibilities for you. I'd love to hear about your experiences and insights, so please share them by replying to this email!

Thanks for reading,

Mike Foster