"La manera en que piensas determina la manera en que te sientes y la manera en que te sientes influye en la manera en que te comportas."

Our thoughts shape our feelings, and those feelings drive our actions. It's such a simple concept but one that packs a powerful punch. The idea is that what goes on in our minds — our internal dialogue — sets the stage for our emotional state. And once our emotions are in play, they guide how we respond to the world around us.

This saying probably comes from the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which really took off in the 1960s and 1970s. The core idea here is that by changing our thoughts, we can change our emotions and behaviors. It’s like a domino effect starting in our heads. If you think, "I'm going to nail this presentation," you feel confident, and you act accordingly — you speak clearly, make eye contact, and engage your audience. The opposite is also true. If you think, "I'm going to mess this up," you feel anxious, and you might stumble over your words and avoid eye contact.

Let's think about a real-life example: a job interview. Imagine you're sitting in the waiting room, about to be called in. If you tell yourself, "I'm not good enough for this job," you start feeling nervous. Your palms get sweaty, your heart races, and by the time you sit down with the interviewer, you’re so jittery that you mess up your responses. Now, imagine you’re in the same room, but this time you think, "I have the skills and experience they're looking for." You feel calm and collected. Your body language is open and confident, and you answer questions with ease. Same person, same qualifications, but two entirely different outcomes based purely on mindset.

So, how do you harness this wisdom? Start by being mindful of your thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause. Challenge that thought. Ask yourself if it's really true or if you're blowing things out of proportion. Replace it with a more balanced or positive thought. It takes practice — our brains love to stick to familiar patterns — but over time you can rewire your thinking.

Imagine you're about to give a speech. Your mind starts racing: "What if I forget my lines? What if people laugh at me?" Stop right there. Take a deep breath and challenge those thoughts. Think instead, "I've prepared for this. I know my material. This is an opportunity to share something valuable." It's not about lying to yourself; it's about giving yourself a fair shot and not letting fear dictate your performance.

I remember a friend who used to dread public speaking. She'd get so anxious that it would physically make her sick. But she started practicing mindfulness and CBT techniques. Before each speech, she'd spend a few minutes visualizing a successful outcome. She'd remind herself of past successes and the positive feedback she'd received. Little by little, her confidence grew. Now she speaks at conferences and even enjoys it!

In a nutshell, your mindset can be your biggest ally or your worst enemy. By paying attention to your thoughts and steering them in a positive direction, you can influence your emotions and, ultimately, your actions. It's a bit like gardening — you get to decide which seeds to water. So, next time you’re facing a challenge, remember: you’ve got this. Start with the right thoughts, and the rest will follow.