A long time ago a book came into my hands, called Self Creation. I still have it, although its
pages are worn and cover is almost off. The book’s premise: our actions reinforce the
originating thought behind the action. At this time I knew so little about the brain, and this
principal sounded like something magical to me, but I would come to understand more about it
as my life continued. Here is how self-creation works:
Jeanette is a negative person. Rather than looking on the bright side of things, she tends to
complain to whomever will listen. One day she reads an article that gives her inspiration to stop
being so negative. She decides to give it a try, although she doubts she can make it last. The
next day at work during an all-staff meeting, a new employee program is announced. Jeanette
puts a receptive look on her face, and rather than the usual negative comment, says, “This
sounds like a good idea.” (People are so surprised!)
Inside Jeanette’s head, the originating thought that created this action, has just gained strength.
The book teaches that we can self-create; we can work at making ourselves who we want to be,
by acting the way we want to be. Our thoughts will follow.
If we want to be someone who wants to eat healthy, we can start by munching on carrots for a
morning snack.
If we want to be more spiritual, we can try performing small spiritual acts of our choice.
If we want to have more initiative (ok that’s a nice way of saying “less lazy”), we could start by
making our bed first thing in the morning. (You’ll really be impressed yourself, after that!)
Are you noticing any similarity here to the previous post on the power of habit? I once read an
article that touted its message in this way: “Change your life in just 3 minutes a day.” The
article went on to say that if you wanted to develop a new habit that was important to you, such
as working out daily, start by trying this: change into your work-out clothes, walk outside your
front door as if you’re going to work out, but don’t go anywhere. Just stand there for a minute!
Then come back inside and change back into your regular clothes. According to the article, this
simple act which takes three minutes or less, will start preparing your brain for a new habit.
After a few days of this “trial run,” you will feel more motivated to actually leave your front porch
and go for a run or to the gym!
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