In order to change my life outcomes I must change my thinking. But how? Well, let’s discuss the link between thinking and life transformation.
Introduction
There’s a classic quote about the weather – everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it!
I suggest that personal transformation is similar. We talk about it, and think about it, a lot.
However, very often there’s minimal transformation because we’re busy with many other life activities.
That said, here’s my premise: when you change your thinking you transform your life outcomes. In addition, inner, personal transformation comes before changed thinking.
So, let’s work on this idea a bit.
We get to choose IF we will change. Better yet, we get to choose HOW we will change. proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Role of Self-Awareness
Building self-awareness has a transformative effect when growing awareness is paired with behavioral change.
In short, it’s good to learn things about myself.
However, that learning is of marginal value if there’s no change – no transformation – in what I do on a regular basis.
Consequently, as I become self-aware, it must be paired with good judgment.
In turn, those sound decisions drive wise behavior. As expected, wise behavior influences more positive life outcomes.
Thus, I must change my thinking before my life outcomes change.
Intentional living allows me to make changes on my own terms rather than to live reactively. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Think-Decide-Act
Here’s the outcome-influencing process I’m describing, laid out in three simple steps:
1). Think: Changed thinking leads to good judgment.
2). Decide: Good judgment, hence right choices influence wise behavior.
3). Act: Wise behavior dramatically improves my life outcomes.
What’s the essence of changed thinking? I think critically, by challenging my assumptions and biases – about myself and others. It means I gather the facts by hearing all sides of a story. Plus, I’m able to both think on my feet and think deeply, as situations demand.
Now, I wish I was smart enough to think of this reasoning and acting process myself.
But, fact is, this progression has been around for as long as there has been this thing called wisdom!
For example, in Proverbs 1, verses 2 through 6, Solomon outlines how this transformation process works, in some detail.
I pair discernment and wise counsel (verses 5 and 6) with critical thinking (verse 4) to produce good judgment (verse 3). Those sound decisions enable me to behave wisely (verse 2).
Guess what? My wise behavior impacts – very positively – my life outcomes.
I know, I’m starting to sound like my grandmother! But, come to think of it, maybe I should have learned to listen to her much earlier in life!
Again – change your thinking and you influence your life outcomes! In fact, I am what I think about constantly!
A mindset that can envision abundance drives transformation, and is critical for our well-being. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Perception and Reality
Obviously, it’s difficult to improve my thinking processes if those thoughts are habitually negative. Hence, the value of an abundance mindset.
I like to say: “Perception is reality, so choose your perception wisely!”
Better yet, life would be so much easier if everyone around me would just change to fit my narrow world view!
Ha – Not happening!
But, what if you’re determined to stay stuck? Then continue with your negative thinking.
Why? Because that negative self-talk will certainly keep you right where you are!
Thus, change never happens if I refuse to acknowledge that problems exist in my life.
Conversely, envisioning the abundance that’s available nourishes a growing and flourishing life.
Moreover, that mindset change and resulting life transformation pays dividends throughout the rest of my life.
So, the sooner I start intentional transformation the sooner I can enjoy those benefits.
In short, that mindset change is the link between my thinking and transformed life outcomes!
Recognizing our potential means envisioning a new self. That new self can lead us to a much more fulfilling life. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Ok, How Long?
Significant life changes are often complex, multi-stage, multi-decision processes that are spread over a period of years.
Envisioning a different self is how we “begin with the end in mind.” That’s a very intentional – hence proactive – way for us to live.
- First, we see in our mind a desired end point for who we can be.
- Second, we work back, identifying the steps needed to get to that end point.
Ok, but how long will this take? Well, it depends on where you’re starting from. And, it depends on your willingness to listen and to learn.
Actually, you tell me how hard-headed you are and I’ll give you some idea of how long this transformation process is going to take!
I didn’t get an early start on my own personal and professional development. But, it’s never too late to start changing WHO you are.
I know that change is possible. I did it!
Granted, some life experiences are unpleasant. Fortunately, significant learning can happen from those challenging life events IF we listen and reflect.
As we develop experiential insights – the takeaways from life events – those insights enable us to become our truest and best selves. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Apply This Today!
Personal transformation is an inside-out process. The catch? I must be willing to make the needed changes in who I am presently in order to become who I want to be in the future.
Personal transformation often begins when I’m honest about where I am right now. Then, I envision where I would like to be. Between those two points is the Think-Decide-Act process! That’s another example of the link between thinking and transformed life outcomes.
Intentional living dramatically improves our sense of life fulfillment.
A warning – here are two problems: thinking without acting and acting without thinking. Neither one takes me where I need to go.
Transformation involves doing. But it also requires reflection that’s paired with being still and listening. When we embrace stillness we position ourself to listen deeply.
It’s enjoyable, as we discover, to witness firsthand the impact of deliberate change and progress in our own life.
Ultimately, we must know the right thing to do. That’s one of the values of changed thinking. More importantly, we must determine to do the right thing.
In which direction are you looking? It’s best to look forward toward your inspiring vision of your future self!
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
To interact with me, use the links in the Contact Me tab of this blog.
This post was originally published October 14, 2023. It was edited August 25, 2025.