We all know not to believe everything we read in the media.
The media is full of sensationalist stories, designed to make you believe what the publishers want you to believe. The stories are designed to sell papers, magazines, and advertising. Stories make money and the more sensational the story, the more chance you will buy. The more money the publishers and share holders makes. Therefore you shouldn’t believe everything you read.
You shouldn’t believe everything you think either! Your thoughts are often just stories you’re telling yourself to “sell” yourself an idea and validate your situation. You might have heard the old saying, ‘there are three sides to every story: your side, my side and the truth’. Your perspective can create a completely different story in your mind compared to the reality of the situation. Watch out! Your perspective can sometimes have you on the wrong tracks.
Same situation, different reaction
How is it that the same situation can illicit completely different reactions in two different people. Two individuals could lose their job: one spirals into a pit of depression, believing that it’s the worst thing that has ever happened. The other sees a huge opportunity to try something new or venture out into a new career.
As humans we are notorious for creating mountains out of mole hills and for inventing drama for the fun of it. It’s so common to believe in excuses which have no merit and to tell yourself stories about all kinds of awful things that may happen which are simply not true.
Your thoughts are seeded in self-preservation. It’s human nature to do everything possible to stay safe and stay alive. Instead of taking the easiest road from point A to point B, you might find yourself taking the hard road instead because you don’t realise there is a better way. Your thoughts are designed to help you avoid pain, and to protect you from harm. But in protecting you from pain and harm, your thoughts can lead you away from doing what may be necessary to achieve growth.
So the next time you’re listening to your thoughts, make sure they’re thoughts worth listening to. If not, be aware that they might just be “sales” hype leading you away from success!