“How do thoughts affect behaviour?” 

Significantly is the short answer.   What you think has an effect on how you feel and ultimately what you do (or don’t do).  Think, feel do.  I’ve provided an example of a situation with two choices, unhelpful thinking or helpful thinking but before we get to that I’ll talk you through it. 

As you experience or face an event or situation your brain will produce certain thoughts (believe it or not, you control those thoughts).  Depending on the situation, your mood, mindset, habits, and level of self awareness your thoughts can likely be categorised as either positive or negative, or at least somewhere on that spectrum.   

Your own ability to recognise (or label) whether your thoughts are positive or negative is the first step to being able to influence them.  By questioning them, you are allowing yourself the option of choice.  Do I choose to accept this negative thought… or not? 

Think – feel – do.   So imagine yourself facing an important event, perhaps it’s a presentation you have to give at work and you’re terrified.  There will be 100 people in the room, you have to stand on stage, use a mic and talk for 30 minutes.  If, like most people, the thought of public speaking makes you nervous then your thoughts are likely to be negative.  “It’s going to be awful.”  “I’m a terrible public speaker.”  “I’m going to make a fool of myself.”  “They’ll boo me off the stage.”  Sound familiar?   

Well, the next step in this downward spiral is how those thoughts effect how you feel.  You may get nervous, short of breath and tight in the chest when you think about your presentation, your heart rate may increase, and you could feel sick, scared and generally pretty terrible.  In some cases there will be a physical reaction also.  Butterflies in the stomach, sweating, tension in your shoulders, insomnia etc.   

How do these feelings affect your behaviour?  Well, if the thought of doing the presentation produces such strong feelings even when simply thinking about it, then the chances of you actually doing the preparation that is required to produce a good outcome is very unlikely.  Or perhaps you’ll just do the bare minimum.  No practice in front of smaller groups, no video feedback, no dry run through’s with friends, family or colleagues, no inspection of the room or the equipment to make sure you can use it.   

This avoidance behaviour (characterised by a lack of the right activity) will all culminate in you being incredibly nervous on the night of your presentation, you’ll be under prepared and the likelihood of you getting what you focused on will be quite high.  Namely, a horrible presentation where you (and your audience) would rather you be anywhere but on stage. 

Compare this with the same scenario but using more positive language.  Recognising that you are thinking negatively you reframe your thinking to a more positive spin.  “Well, at least I have plenty of time to prepare.”  “They’re my colleagues, they won’t boo me, even if my presentation isn’t great.”  “I know what I’m talking about and they’re here to hear me”. “So long as I put the effort in I’ll make it through my 30 minutes.”  “I’m not going to fall over and die from having to make this presentation.”  The impact on how you feel in this case is that you are operating from a position where you can exert an influence; you can do something about it.  In this case, it’s to go through the preparation so you’re ready for the talk.  Although you may still be nervous your feelings are more realistic – you know it won’t be the end of the world so you don’t feel so helpless.  Your action or behaviour is more positive too.  After sitting down and thinking through all the things you can do to make sure your presentation doesn’t bomb, you’ve actually got a good action plan to move forward with.  For example.   

1. Do some internet research on how to prepare for a talk.
2. Prepare your talk up front.  Start by writing it out in full and then working your way backwards to palm cards and then key points on slides.
3. Start with a smaller group and a shorter presentation.
4. Video tape your presentation to see how you look to others.
5. Practice some calming activities, like breath meditation for use prior to your talk on the night.
6. Celebrate once it’s over.

So, ultimately, what you think has an almost direct effect on what you do.  Have a look at the important things you want to achieve at work or in life and look at your thinking.  Is it helpful or unhelpful?  This is a topic that’s close to my heart, being in business for myself I’m constantly reminded of this principle and every day I strive to gain more control over it.  I’d love to hear any of your stories.  Have a great March and go and think, feel and do all you can.