Change Your Mind, Change Your Life

I enjoy reading stories about those achieving success in business, athletics, or other aspects of life because they refused to quit. They believed in themselves or what they were trying to accomplish when others gave up. I have read stories of people who were disadvantaged through no fault of their own—by circumstances of war, accident, or physical disability—yet they succeeded because they believed they could.

I find it interesting how the expressions “with his own hands” and “self-made” are used to describe an individual’s accomplishments. While many achievements do result from the physical effort exerted by individuals working alone, recognizing human achievement as a product of the “hands” references a time in the distant past when land needed to be cleared, crops planted, and barns raised. Indeed, little was achieved without a significant physical investment, and it was most often measured in blood, sweat, and blisters.

Today, we recognize that individual achievement begins with a thought, which then sparks an idea. In this way, we see—with good reason—that most human achievements are a product of the mind. It is in the mind where thoughts and beliefs reside.

The great thinkers through the ages have long understood the true nature of this powerful connection. Consider the following:

"All that we are is a result of what we have thought." Buddha

"A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes." Gandhi

"What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." Andrew Carnegie

Protect Your Thoughts and Beliefs

If life is the product of our thoughts and beliefs, then it follows that it is critical we direct and protect them. I have come to recognize I am responsible for my life. Ultimately, it is made from what I choose to think and believe.

Failing to direct and protect thoughts and beliefs can lessen the value of life. For example, as I coach individuals transitioning to retirement, I find many struggle to respond to this question: “What do you do?” Often, they give this undirected and unprotected response: “Nothing. I am retired.”

Stop. Think about it. Using this response again and again over time will connect nothing with your retirement. Thereafter, you may struggle to find value in your life, and depression can take over.

Possibility Is Personal

I have come to understand that what you choose to think and believe (yes, you can choose) either expands or limits your personal possibility. Possibility is personal. Where do you draw the line between possible and impossible? The answer to this question is determined by you and you alone.

Let’s use the example of running a marathon, a popular event in southern Utah every October. As you may know, a marathon is a foot race covering a distance of 26.2 miles. Why do some people believe it is impossible to run that distance while others complete several marathons and enjoy the experience? How can that be? If something is impossible for one person, how can it be possible for another? The difference is in what they choose to think and believe.

Let me illustrate with examples from history. Look at the dates below. What is the historical event associated with each?

December 16, 1903

July 19, 1969

August 4, 2012

December 16, 1903, was the last day it was impossible for a person to fly a “heavier than air” machine.

July 19, 1969, was the last day it was impossible for a human to walk on the moon.

August 4, 2012, was the last day it was impossible for a person without legs to run in the Olympic games.

Each date represents the dawning of a remarkable achievement, especially when framed within the perspective that the day before, it was impossible. Think about the way the world and humankind were (and still are) affected when the light bulb, telephone, and personal computer were no longer impossible achievements. Each of these inventions carries a story of possibility, and each of these inventors believed that “impossible” did not apply to him.

Think about how your life would be different if you believed. Change your mind; change your life.

"Things are only impossible until they’re not." Jean-Luc Picard

About the Author

Steve Wilson

Steve is the former CEO of St. George Regional Medical Center, St. George, Utah. He authored next—Redefining Retirement; Lessons for Life’s Transitions with Lisa G. Larson and speaks frequently to those preparing to leave their careers. He serves on the Board of the Institute for Continued Learning. His post career “hobby” is real estate investing, and he is Associate Broker for Utah First Property Management, a company his son Bryan founded. To contact Steve go to wilson.stg@gmail.com.