What we think influences how we feel and act. A study at Queen’s University in Canada tested brain activity to identify breaks between thoughts. They found that we have around 6000 thoughts a day to keep us company.

We mostly think about the same things every day since the brain loves familiarity. We tell ourselves the same stories, tweaking the details each time, and believe that we are creating these thoughts and they’re us.

But you’re not your thoughts.

Thoughts are mental story options.

1: What You Think

The brain’s default mode network (DMN) makes you think you’re having thoughts by creating stories to predict danger. It makes you think of yourself as a character who needs to be protected from danger.

Your brain has more than 80 billion neurons with trillions of connections, like a computer. Thoughts physically come from networks of these nerve cells and their activity. Neurons that fire together wire together.

How you think is also influenced by your beliefs, genetics, experiences, and your nervous system’s natural tendencies. Nutrition, physical health, and hormonal changes all contribute to the quality of your thoughts.

What you eat can change how you think through the gut-brain connection that affects both emotions and mental functions. Consuming healthy food and getting enough rest supports your ability to focus and relax. 

2: Negative Self-Talk

A study from the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that most people experience intense self-criticism at some point in their lives. Self-abuse incites anxiety, depression, and can cause problems in relationships.

Negative self-talk is about survival. If you believe not doing well at work could cause you to lose your job, you’ll start worrying. Your imagination triggers your nervous system when you think of getting fired.

3: How to Train Thoughts

The unconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between imagining your boss yelling and them actually doing it. You can’t completely control your thoughts, but you can train them to deliver better ideas and identities.

Thinking and self-concept are closely related, so if you don’t like who you are, just change how you think. Here’s the framework I’ve created that rewired my thoughts in record time, and I’ll share it with you.

Write 1-2 pages of a daily journal, preferably by hand to make it sink in. Write a stream of affirmations, not just one, to simulate a stream of consciousness. Notice your daily thoughts without judging them.

When you notice you’re getting thoughts that aren’t what you asked for, insist they go away. They came to visit your court and brought crappy gifts. You don’t have to be nice to them either, they’re not you.

Repetition is the greatest tool of the brain, so it’s vital to be consistent. If you don’t like writing, you can listen to affirmations music, but make sure it changes it up. Repeating the same statement too many times loses fire.

Conclusion

You don’t have to settle for bad thinking. Teach your thoughts to support you by training your unconscious mind with repetition and self-compassion. Practice mindfulness to observe yourself with curiosity and kindness. Prioritize self-care to support your mind and body.