Do other people you know tend to talk more about ideas, events, or people? And how do you behave? Think first, then speak. At least, that's what they say. We know that our brains are constantly producing thoughts. Over 60,000 per day—at least according to a persistent, because catchy, continuing education myth. Fortunately, reputable studies have now debunked this and similar nonsense. It's about time.
Self-reflective people know, even without such number games, how much their minds are occupied with thinking and inner dialogues. It is equally clear that much of this is unconscious and unproductive. But beyond all the numbers, what is more important is the quality of what is happening in your head. Quality over quantity. The only way to achieve this is to observe yourself thinking. To recognize clearly and without distortion what is going on. Without judgment and without saying, "You have to think or be this way." The question then arises as to how far you can learn to guide (not control!) your thoughts. This is exciting every day anew.
What do you think of the following thoughts?
I don't want to be the person I want to be.
Still the one I was meant to be.
Not even the one I should be.
I am not the person my parents would like to see me as.
Or my partner, society, my coworkers. Or my boss.
Likewise, I am not the person I once was.
I am who I am!"
What do you think? Is it unrealistic, philosophical nonsense, far removed from the harsh reality of the economy? Or do you see freedom and self-determination in it, and with it a free spirit full of ideas for a successful future? You decide!
I am firmly convinced that these thoughts are becoming increasingly important for everyone on a daily basis. From the day you start thinking about "your existence" until the day you die. If you have read this far, you are one of these reflective people. Guaranteed. The further evolution of humankind will be one of the mind. Less in physical terms. We have long been aware that our future raison d'être depends on intelligent ideas and qualitative creativity. My conviction goes even further: it is precisely this way of thinking that is the answer to the much-cited VUCA world, which is placing ever greater demands on everyone every day.
Not higher, faster, further – but more flexible, clearer, deeper
This makes it all the more important to engage with the world of ideas. And, to a lesser extent, with events. For people, it will be more about WITH than ABOUT. It is important to correctly evaluate the ideas of a developed mind and use them wisely. Many shine like shooting stars, but fade away in seconds, even if they had great potential. Others, upon closer inspection, turn out to be nonsense disguised as a stroke of genius. It is an art to filter out the truly powerful ideas from the abundance of thoughts. Because every groundbreaking idea stands on a mountain of idea trash. Creative people know that you have to produce a lot of crap before something really useful comes out of it.
Therefore: Create a climate of creativity in your environment. Pay attention to what is being thought and discussed. And if you don't want to believe my words, then perhaps you will believe those of Leonora Roosevelt:
"Great minds discuss ideas; ordinary minds discuss events; small minds discuss people!"
Ensure that more and more great minds are moving in your circle. You can tell whether this is working by what the people around you talk about most.
Interest in life
German astronaut Alexander Gerst also followed a special idea. He was driven by curiosity and an interest in life. Gerst is an impressive man to many—especially because of his inquiring mind. How do certain people manage to experience extraordinary things? The key is to follow an inner fascination—to live life intensely and reflect on it with curiosity. Only then will opportunities reveal themselves that others will never get.
In my Grundls-Gründe video"Astronaut Alexander Gerst – Experiencing the extraordinary with curiosity,"I show you how I myself have learned to appreciate life – the fascination of understanding life and the grace of being able to shape it yourself. Become an explorer yourself. See every day with different eyes. That way, you can discover new perspectives. Because when you manage to discover this fascination, you will experience things that only a few people get to experience. That is my wish for you.
Image source: © qimono Pixabay
