Can Your Mind Change Your Life?

Who's really the expert of you?

Who you are, your hopes, your goals, your dreams - and even your problems?

(Two guesses, and the first one doesn't count.)

Well, aren't you more knowledgeable on these things than anyone else?

Everyone is their own expert in what they know, what's behind their actions and what direction to move in life --

Right?

Here's some common sayings that commonly influence other people - but don't work:

• "I'll tell you what your problem is..."
• "I think if you just changed your..."
• "I'm only telling you this for your own good..."
• "I think that you are too..."

OK - do any of these sound familiar? And - have you ever seen any of these work (positively)?

And how do they come across? Sort of like emotional "fingernails on a chalkboard", right?

Grrrrrr.

Sometimes people can give advice that actually helps. In that case, usually someone will know right away that it would work. However, in this case, it usually "just feels right". You have taken a look at it for yourself and made a decision.

But what about when you get advice or information that doesn't seem right?

Well, in that case my observation has always been that maybe it's right or true for someone else, but not for me. It also might be just flat-out false.

Life can be very confusing sometimes. Especially when there is so much advice out there - including "professional" opinions.

A good test of any information or advice -

• Does it seem right?
• Does it work?
• Will you be happier or better off by following it?

An example:

As a child, Betty Miller (made up name) wanted to become an artist. Every time she could get her hands on paint, pencils, paper, etc., she would sit down and become completely enthralled with it.

As Betty grew up, she was told that "Artists don't make a lot of money..." and "The competition in the art field is too high - you'll never make it..."

Because Betty had much respect for the person who told her those things, she bought it - even though the thought of giving up her goals as an artist was massively depressing and didn't feel right. And what happened? She gave up something that was precious to her, and proceeded to live a "successful" life.

Hmmmm.

This brings up an interesting problem - how to maintain a good relationship with someone, despite the fact that you may not follow their advice?

I have observed that this is the most common reason for following advice that is not right - "Will so-and-so still like me if I disagree?"

There are always ways to maintain friendships and family relationships - even though your beliefs are not exactly the same, and you might not make the same choices..

It might be a bit rough, but I think that you will find that if you hold your own and continue the relationship with the person (it might be a little uncomfortable for a while) that you will come out right - for yourself and for them too. In fact, people tend to respect people for "sticking to their guns".

And having a bit of a rough spot with someone can sure beat the heck out of living someone else's life.

Everything.

I won't go into long detail here about the mind. But, thoughts have a lot to do with this, wouldn't you agree?

If your own thoughts and beliefs are the most important determining factor in any decision in life, then who do you think will be "driving" your life?

Consider this - What would life be like if you were able to be in full control of your own thoughts? There's something to think about, eh?

There are some books about life and the mind that I highly recommend - but don't take my word for it - check them out, then make up your own mind. (Ha!)

• Want to know how the mind works, and how you can be in control of your thoughts and actions? Click Here to buy your copy of Dianetics - The Modern Science of Mental Health
• Want to know more about yourself? Check out Self Analysis
• What about thoughts and how they can affect happiness and life? Click Here for Your Copy of Fundamentals of Thought

These books can really help to put you "in your own driver's seat". :D