It's true. Our thoughts can guide us in the right direction or steer us toward dysfunction. If we examine the place we occupy today, we could establish a clear trajectory to a thought pattern, a philosophy, a mindset. That is why I've taken the time to introduce you to a book that helped me move forward: "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, How We Can LEARN to Fulfill Our Potential.

Consider this quote from the book that points to the POWER of our beliefs. Notice that Carol Dweck theorizes that our thoughts are powerful. If she is correct, and I believe she is, then our thoughts have the power to support our goals or destroy our goals. She states, "These may be beliefs we’re aware of or unaware of, but they strongly affect what we want and whether we succeed in getting it. This tradition also shows how changing people’s beliefs—even the simplest beliefs—can have profound effects."

FOR REFLECTION: What are your initial thoughts about the above quote? What does it move you to do? Can you think of any thoughts that have stopped you from reaching your goals? What currently hinders you? That's the awareness aspect. What is really sobering is the aspect of the UNAWARE? What are we unaware of? I only know a couple of ways to identify the unaware, the blind spots in our lives. We have to summon the courage to ASK someone. My first source for asking is to ask someone who loves me unconditionally -- God! I'm not sure what your position of faith is, but I encourage you to find a point of faithful, honest reference.

We're going to cover key aspects of this book in our curriculum. It's going to be a big part of our foundational module where we prepare the ground for rebuilding. We're going to go deep and identify the root of our thoughts. And then we're going to start to build strong.

Assignment:

1. Read Chapter One in "Mindset".
2. Identify your thoughts. Dig deep. Go back to your childhood. Examine your thoughts and include the thoughts that were deposited by others. I will share some of my thoughts with you during orientation. Take a minimum of one hour to complete this assignment.
3. Ask for the Unaware. Who knows you well? Who can identify your blind spot? Write down all of your thoughts.
4. Connect any thoughts to your behavior patterns, actions, fears, hesitancies. Are any of those thoughts limiting you? If so, write "REJECT" over them.
5. Commit to change.

Dweck, Carol S.. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.