Stress is something we all experience, but have you ever stopped to think about where it really comes from? More often than not, stress isn’t just about external circumstances. It’s rooted in our thoughts. By becoming more aware of our thoughts, we can take control of our emotions, behaviors, and ultimately, our lives.
Understanding the Thought-Feeling-Behavior Cycle
Our minds are incredibly powerful. Think about this for a moment— everything that we want is created in the mind first, it all begins with our thoughts. On average, we have about 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts per day. What’s more startling is that 80% of these thoughts are repetitive from the day before, and many of them are negative. This repetition imprints these thoughts in our minds, shaping our feelings and influencing our behavior. If we constantly think about stressful situations or anticipate the worst, we reinforce those feelings of stress, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
The Link Between Thoughts and Stress
Imagine this: You wake up in the morning, and the first thought that crosses your mind is about an argument you had with your partner the day before. Instantly, you feel a wave of tension wash over you. It seems that this one thought attracts other negative thoughts. You think the fight could be the end of your relationship. If the relationship ends, you then begin to think about your children and how other relatives will respond to the end of the relationship.
Then the thought of your finances creep in. You don’t know how you’re going to pay for the apartment that you had to rent during the separation. Before you know it, you’ve already ended the marriage before you’ve even had a conversation about ending the marriage. It’s like your thoughts are a magnet, attracting more of the same. This is how our thoughts can shape our reality. When we dwell on stressful thoughts, our body reacts with stress hormones like cortisol, which can impact our physical and mental health.
Breaking the Cycle: Awareness is Key
The good news is that we have the power to change this. By becoming more aware of our thoughts, we can start to disrupt the cycle of stress. As I’ve had to train my mind to concentrate on the positive, I wrote a book titled, The Energy Map: Your Team’s Path from Conflict to Empowerment. The Energy Map provides a useful framework for this. As we navigate through the five energy levels—Helplessness, Tension, Ownership, Servant Leadership, and Love—we can learn to identify where our thoughts are leading us. As I teach others to use the energy map, I always share that there is no good or bad level. The idea is in the knowing, the awareness of where you are at a given point.
- Helplessness: At this level, thoughts are dominated by fear and a sense of being overwhelmed. Recognizing this is the first step to moving forward.
- Tension: Here, stress starts to build as we focus on problems. But awareness can help us shift our thoughts toward solutions.
- Ownership: Taking responsibility for our thoughts allows us to change our perspective, leading to more positive outcomes.
- Servant Leadership: By focusing on helping others, we can transform stress into purpose.
- Love: This is the highest energy level, where thoughts are guided by compassion and understanding, creating a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Creating a Better Life Through Thought Awareness
The truth is many of the problems we face don’t really exist outside of our minds. They are created and sustained by the thoughts we choose to focus on. By being more intentional about the thoughts we entertain, we can start to eliminate unnecessary stress from our lives. Instead of dwelling on what could go wrong, we can choose to focus on what could go right. This simple shift in perspective can make a profound difference in our emotional well-being.
As women leaders, it’s essential to harness this power of thought awareness not only for our own benefit but also to inspire those around us. By leading with a mindset rooted in positive energy, we can create a ripple effect that empowers others to do the same.
Remember, the journey through the Energy Map isn’t just about understanding our emotions. It’s about taking charge of the thoughts that create those emotions. By doing so, we can lead lives that are not just less stressful, but more fulfilling, empowered, and aligned with our true selves.
Three Tips for Shifting Your Mindset:
- Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and be present in the moment. This can help you become more aware of your thoughts and reduce stress.
- Challenge negative thoughts: When you notice negative thoughts creeping in, challenge their validity. Ask yourself if there’s evidence to support them and consider alternative perspectives.
- Cultivate gratitude: Focus on the things you’re grateful for, no matter how small. This can shift your attention away from negativity and improve your overall well-being.
Want to delve deeper into the Energy Map? Download your free copy today at https://www.culturecre8ion.com/resources
Find Niki’s articles on Plaid or connect with her through her website.
