Have you ever taken a second to ponder how incredibly powerful and effective the mind is? We are usually quick in identifying those who are positive beings as well as those who live in the confines of fear and negativity. Whether the mind generates positive or negative thoughts, those thoughts directly contribute creating the day-to-day reality we experience, which in turn affects whether we achieve greatness or sink well below the surface. We were created to reach mental and physical levels far beyond the imagination, but only if we become bigger than our fears and negativity.

Hara Estroff Marano, editor in chief of “Psychology Today” magazine, reports that the average person produces anywhere between 25,000 and 50,000 thoughts per day. Think about it this way, a person generates more thoughts than there are minutes in a single day! Familiar thoughts include those which are positive and self-affirming, reflections of what we need to do for the day, and those which are filled with worry and fear.

Keeping in mind the thousands of thoughts that enter our mind in a single day, it is beneficial to understand that our thoughts are intrinsically and directly linked to our actions. For example, if we allow our mind to think negative thoughts, we will naturally remain more pessimistic and live a more un-constructive lifestyle. Since thoughts directly affect our actions, we then carry ourselves in a negative or sloppy way. Having an adverse mindset literally weakens the immune system, drains the body’s energy and dwindles hopes and aspirations.

In today’s society, we tend to chase after and acquire the tangibles in order to live happier and more confident lifestyles. But, there is nothing more powerful than a changed mindset. If we change everything on the outside without adjusting our inward being, the same practice will continue over and over again. By thoroughly switching our thinking to a manner that is more positive, we will actually live our lives and carry ourselves in a more influential way. The power of positive thinking can change circumstances and allow us to conquer anything we set our minds to.

In order to take hold of an improved way of thinking, we need to first work on our inner being. Following these four tips can help you on your journey to renewing your mind:

1. Understand the importance of thought. You can begin to understand its significance by researching via the Internet or reading books and magazines that relate to the mind.

2. Heighten your everyday self-awareness. You can increase your awareness by simply being mindful of the positive and/or negative words that come out of your mouth. It would be helpful to have a friend or family member to hold you accountable for negativity.

3. Think about what you are thinking about. Whether you feel spirits of happiness and determination or notice a lack of confidence and energy, it is essential to connect those feelings with your thoughts at that moment. Once you can easily link thoughts with actions, it will be easier to control your thinking. I believe this is the most important aspect merely because you alone are in charge of what goes on in your head and, unaccompanied by others, you must hold yourself accountable.

4. Recognize and believe the notion that whatever you think in your heart, so you are. By doing everything you can physically do and by trusting yourself to the very core of your being, you are destined to achieve whatever you seek to accomplish.