What to know something that has become a core element of how I live my life and run my business?
I have stopped believing everything I think.
And, friend, I highly recommend you do the same.
Here’s the deal: Your brain thinks a lot of thoughts each day – we’re talking thousands and thousands of thoughts.
Some of these thoughts are deep.
Some are creative.
Some are strategic.
Some are helpful.
Some are true.
And, many of these thoughts are self-judgmental, untrue, asshole-ish thoughts.
If you are like most humans (myself included), you have likely gone your whole life believing every thought your brain offers you.
But your thoughts (just like mine) aren’t all true; they aren’t all helpful; and many are holding you back.
One of my favorite tools for looking at my thoughts is Byron Katie’s Four Questions. It’s a simple tool that consistently blows my mind (and the minds of my clients).
Here’s how you can use this tool, too.
Step 1: Pick a thought … any thought.
Step 2: Ask yourself these 4 questions
- Is it true (this is a yes or no answer)?
- Can you absolutely know it is true (you could prove it in a court of law)?
- How do you react, what happens, when you believe this thought (how does it feel in your body, how do you treat yourself and others, what action do you take, etc.)?
- Who would you be without this thought (how would you treat yourself and others, what action would you take, how would it feel in your body)?
Step 3: Choose one or two thoughts that would better serve you, and start looking for evidence those thoughts are true.
When I do this exercise, I often find my thoughts aren’t true and aren’t helping me or anyone around me.
And, that last question … whew …that one always cracks me open and reveals to me the version of myself that is longing to take center stage in my life.
One of the fastest ways to up-level your life and business is to stop believing every thought you have, and this tool is a great way to start doing that.
Wishing you joy, success and inner peace today and always!
