I recently heard most people think an average of 60,000 thoughts a day. But of those thoughts, 95% are the very same thought patterns as the day before. That means most people simply think in circles from one day to the next!
This is shocking! Especially because I think we would all assume we are thinking new thoughts every day with a few repeats mixed in, not the other way around!
It just illustrates the EXTREME importance of introducing new thoughts into our minds (through reading, listening to podcasts, and expanding our social circles) if we have any hope of changing our habits, thought patterns, and relationships!
How can any of us expect to grow and change if 95% of our thought patterns are exactly the same? It would be like asking a fish to climb a tree. Not happening.
Photo Credit: Michael Good
Michael and Claudia, how do you change your though patterns? There are a few specific things I do, but I’d love to hear what you do first. Always looking to learn new things in this area…
Great question, Kent. You could right a whole book on that!
I know for me it’s helped to put myself in a different environment. So, this would include intentionally surrounding myself with certain types of people – people who think the way I want to think. Also, I read books and listen to podcasts by people who I want to think and be like. I think it really helps to immerse yourself as much as possible. Then you start to see yourself as having those new attributes as well.
Great insights!
One thing I try to do that’s really different is create time to process what I’ve been learning. I’m a purest when it comes to running. No music. No podcast. Just get outside and run. These times often bring clarity to ideas as well as new thoughts I’d never have otherwise.
Reminds me of Leo Babauta of Zen Habits. He doesn’t listen to music when running either. He focuses on his breathing and does his best to stay in the moment.
Well I guess I can just call myself a Zen Runner now 🙂
BTW, went for a 4.5 zen run this AM.