Control Your Inputs

Your mind is your ultimate personal computer. Like your laptop at home, sometimes you might forget to turn on your mental virus protection program allowing negative thoughts to invade your mind – without even realizing it. So, the computer adage “Garbage in, garbage out” as it applies to your mind should really be “Garbage in, garbage stays.”

Your mind never sleeps. You can’t pull a “fast one” on it. Whatever your mind hears from others, and especially from you, it records and stores.

The mind doesn’t discriminate between input that is good for you or harmful to you – it collects all input. If you hear something often enough, you will tend to believe it and act upon it. Your mind can be your greatest ally or worst enemy. Seek positive inputs and you will improve your chances of producing positive outputs.

We draw into our lives that which we constantly think about – good or bad. If you are obsessing about what your boss will do if you make a mistake, then guess what’s likely to happen? If you are always thinking about why you can’t seem to get a break, or when the next shoe will drop in your relationship, or what will happen if you can’t afford to pay for your car repairs or why you don’t get as much recognition as your colleague, then you are programming your mind (and those around you) to turn these thoughts into your reality. Negative thoughts are landmines along the pathway to being your best.

Consider three common influences that can program us daily. They have the potential for a positive or negative impact on our thoughts and, ultimately, our results.

Television – Studies show that the subconscious mind is most receptive five minutes before we doze off at night, a common time for watching the news. Unfortunately, much of the news today shows the worst side of people and the world. When I was a kid my mom used to say, “Boy oh boy, we can watch the six o’clock news and not eat or watch the 11 o’clock news and not sleep.” Mom’s words still apply today. So, when you hear a news story, remind yourself that it’s considered news because it is unusual. Doing so will help you balance potentially negative input with more uplifting thoughts.So how can we remain well-informed and maintain a positive outlook? Monitor what you watch. More recently, my mom said, “I have 600 T.V. channels and nothing to watch!” An exaggeration of course, but if we choose programs that are more educational, artistic, spiritual or sports and comedy oriented, we will stimulate positive thoughts. Our thoughts today form our results tomorrow.
Newspapers – Many people, particularly in the business world, start their day with the newspaper. Whether it’s a glimpse at the headlines or a front to back reading, there is plenty of positive and negative news to read. Before you dive into the daily newspaper or on-line news portal, take a quick inventory of all the things you have to be grateful for. Additionally, make it a habit to finish your reading with an inspiring story so your mind is primed for a positive day.
Other people – Make the choice to surround yourself with people who offer positive inputs. There will always be negative people and perspectives. Since we cannot hide from them, we must learn to filter out negative input to minimize “garbage” in our thoughts. The best strategy is to make a conscious effort to get to know and spend time with people who have a positive outlook.

These three sources of input have the potential for a positive or negative impact on your attitude, and ultimately, your results.

You are what you think, so control your inputs!

See how well you control your inputs by taking the Free Attitude Tune-up.