Every entrepreneur or business leader has a cache of advice they’ve received over the years – nuggets of wisdom handed down from mentors, or hard-earned lessons from their own personal journeys. For me, the most impactful piece of advice I ever received was a truth that, at first glance, was tough to swallow: most, if not all, of the problems we encounter in our lives are self-inflicted, whether we want to admit it or not.
Before you balk, let me clarify. This isn’t about blaming oneself for every hurdle or stumbling block life throws our way, but rather about recognizing the power of our thoughts and emotions and how they can profoundly shape our physical reality. A difficult pill to swallow, perhaps, but one that can lead to a transformative shift in perspective.
This all became glaringly evident to me when I was grappling with a personal health crisis. As someone whose work revolves heavily around typing, I began experiencing debilitating pain in my neck and hands. I was diagnosed with degenerative disease and carpal tunnel syndrome, conditions that threatened to halt my career and push me towards disability.
Then, during a conversation with a client and good friend, the revelation arrived. He suggested that the cause of my physical ailments might be rooted in something far less tangible: my thoughts and feelings. He introduced me to the concept of Tension Myoneural Syndrome, or TMS.
TMS is a psychosomatic condition where pain is attributed to subconscious emotional or mental stress, rather than physical abnormalities. At the time, I was unhappy with my work, frequently expressing to myself that my job was “such a pain in the neck and that I could barely force myself to work on it.” And, lo and behold, I started to experience a literal pain in the neck and literal pain in my hands.
I followed the recommendations from my friend and sought the advice of a TMS expert, Steven Ozanich, author of “The Great Pain Deception: Faulty Medical Advice is Making Us Worse”. After just 2-3 days of following the steps laid out in his book and from the private consult I did with Steve, the pain literally vanished. It was as if my body had physically manifested my discontent, turning my subconscious thoughts and feelings into tangible, physical pain.
The realization was mind-blowing: our thoughts and feelings can materially impact our reality. This idea was later reinforced in my readings of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s book “Becoming Supernatural,” which, while not explicitly referring to TMS, explores the scientific backing behind the power of the subconscious mind, especially when coupled with your emotions.
So, how can we harness this knowledge for the betterment of our lives and businesses? Here are a few tips:
1. Take Responsibility: Acknowledge the power of your thoughts and feelings. They are not abstract or irrelevant; they can actively shape your reality. Accepting this can lead to a profound shift in perspective and greater control over your life.
2. Cultivate Mindfulness: Regularly check in with yourself. What are you feeling? What are you telling yourself? Consider implementing mindfulness practices into your routine, like meditation or journaling, to help monitor and manage your thoughts and emotions.
3. Practice Thought-Feeling Alignment: Affirmations can be a powerful tool for change, but only when they are aligned with your genuine feelings. It’s not enough to repeat positive phrases; you must truly believe them at your core. The key to a successful affirmation practice is aligning your thoughts with your heartfelt emotions. When both your mind and heart are in sync, the transformation can be profound. So, as you recite your positive affirmations, ensure you’re emotionally connected and truly believe in the positive changes you’re affirming. This synchronization of thoughts and feelings can propel meaningful change in your life.
4. Seek Help When Needed: Sometimes, the power of our thoughts can be overwhelming, and it’s okay to seek help. Reach out to a professional if you feel your thoughts or feelings are causing significant distress.
Recognizing the power of our thoughts and feelings isn’t about shouldering blame, but rather about embracing a greater level of personal accountability and empowerment. It’s about understanding that we can shape our realities, for better or worse. The responsibility lies with us. And with responsibility comes the power to make real, lasting change.
Remember, business is more than financial transactions and strategic plans. It’s an extension of ourselves and understanding our internal dynamics can significantly influence our external successes. Embrace your power, mind your thoughts, and create a reality that fuels both personal well-being and business growth. The choice is yours.
For more information related to this topic, check out my previous articles Aligning Your Head and Heart: The Secret to Creating the Life You Want and The Mindset Makeover: Elevate Your Business with the Power of Positivity.
