You can’t change your thoughts but you can change your thinking

Something Eileen Gu (the most decorated free skier in history) said recently has gotten a lot of attention.

“You can control how you think and therefore you can control who you are... 

…and so with neuroplasticity on my side - I can literally become exactly who I want to be.”

It’s obviously working for her. 

But aren’t our thoughts and our thinking the same thing?

I think it’s helpful to differentiate them. 

Thoughts: Randomly occur based on experiences or feelings in the moment.  

• “Will I make my flight?”
• “What am I going to cook for dinner?”
• “Should I have another coffee?”

Thinking: More of a response system to thoughts. 

• “If I miss my flight I can probably get another one”
• “I’ll stop by the shops on the way home”
• “I won’t have another coffee because I decided to cut back on caffeine”

Thoughts are random - you can’t control them. The more you try not to think of something the more likely you’ll be to think about it. 

Thinking as a system can be taught, and improved.  

Thinking can affect our feelings. 

I’m not saying that we should think our way out of every situation, and ignore our feelings.  

But recognising that you don’t have to believe your thoughts is empowering. 

You can talk to your thoughts - “I see you negative thought - and choose to move on.”

Obviously your thinking is hugely shaped by your beliefs about how the world works your philosophy and psychology.
But realising that we can become who we want to be isn’t just wishful thinking - it’s fundamental. 

If you identify as being a generous person - You’re more likely to think generous thoughts - and act in a generous way.  

As you act, You get more reinforcement on that thinking and the cycle continues. 

Start thinking about yellow cars, or the number 57 and you’ll notice (find evidence of) yellow cars and 57.  Maybe both at the same time! 

This is more than “fake it till you make it”.
It’s actually believing that you already are it! 

Realising you can change your thinking, and separating thinking from thoughts is one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned.