Personal Development Resources

Some Techniques for Changing Your Thoughts

This is a personal development cheat sheet intended to give you quick tips for personal growth.

Pay close attention to what you are thinking – be MINDFUL. You are not your thoughts – you have your thoughts. Take a step back and observe those thoughts, but do not become so entangled within them that you cannot extract your self from them or them from your self
Journaling in general is a great practice that can help with self-awareness; thinking through issues, challenges, and opportunities; and for reiterating positive affirmations
Even a few minutes of meditation can help clear your head. Insight Timer and Headspace are free apps with over 10,000 meditation options
Read books (see below for suggestions)
Talk to positive and open-minded friends
Guard against negativity – critical thoughts both toward yourself and others. Try to eliminate any negative self-talk or judgments towards others
Look for the positive in all situations – ask yourself if there is a different way you could look at a negative situation
Try creating a gratitude journal – gratitude is the greatest cure for dark thoughts
Start reflecting on what you were told as a child or what you have decided as an adult – is that what you want to believe and think? You can decide to think differently. This is the most important thing to remember. It starts with the desire to change!