Unlocking Change

Lesson Three has really challenged me to see my thinking in a new way. The biggest idea that hit home is that my thoughts are the true “cause” and the actual experiences I have in life are just the “effect”.

I used to think things happened to me, almost by accident or luck. Haanel teaches that it’s the other way around: whatever I focus on mentally—good or bad—ends up showing up in my reality later as results or circumstances.

If I keep complaining about how things are, I’m actually reinforcing that negative cycle. Instead, I need to direct my effort toward recognizing the inside mental resources I have, and focus more on what I want instead of what I don’t want.

This week, I’m catching myself when I get stuck in negative thinking or start blaming my surroundings. Haanel says it’s within my power to change them, if I change my thoughts first.

It’s challenging, but also kind of exciting. I’m learning that I can begin to shape my world by shaping my mind