"Whatever you think, that you will be. If you think yourselves weak, weak you will be; if you think yourselves strong, strong you will be"

The idea here is pretty straightforward: your thoughts shape your reality. If you believe you’re weak, you’ll act in ways that make you weak. On the flip side, if you see yourself as strong, you’re more likely to take on challenges and overcome them. It’s all about mindset.

Let’s take a trip back to when this kind of thinking really started making waves. This quote is from Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual leader from India in the late 19th century. He was all about empowering people, especially the youth, to see their own potential. At that time, India was under British rule, and many people felt helpless and defeated. Vivekananda’s message was a big deal because it encouraged people to change their mindset and, in turn, change their lives.

Okay, let’s bring this into real life with a vivid example. Think about athletes. Michael Jordan, for instance. He was cut from his high school basketball team. If he had thought, “Well, I guess I’m not good enough,” he might’ve given up right there. Instead, he believed he could be great and worked relentlessly. His mindset was strong, and look where it got him—arguably the greatest basketball player of all time.

So how can you use this wisdom? First off, pay attention to your self-talk. Are you constantly thinking you’re not good enough, not smart enough, not whatever-enough? If so, that’s where you need to start. Catch yourself in those moments and flip the script. And it’s not just about empty affirmations either. Pair those positive thoughts with action. Believe you can ace that exam, and then hit the books hard. Think you can get fit? Start working out. Your thoughts are like the steering wheel, but you’ve still got to press the gas pedal.

Picture this: you’re at a new job, feeling overwhelmed and out of place. Your mind’s racing with thoughts like, “I’m not cut out for this. Everyone’s so much better.” But what if you switched that up? Think, “I’m just as capable. I can learn and grow here.” It’s not about pretending to be super confident when you’re not, but nudging that mindset in a positive direction. You’ll start picking up on things quicker, interacting with colleagues more openly, and before you know it, you’re not just getting by—you’re thriving.

Imagine a friend, Sarah. She’s always been shy, the kind who avoids speaking up in meetings. One day, she decides she wants a change. She starts small, telling herself each morning, “I have valuable ideas, and people want to hear them.” She begins to speak up during team huddles, at first just a few words. Over weeks, those few words turn into full contributions. Her team starts noticing her insights. She’s approached for projects and eventually leads one. All because she changed her mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “I deserve to be heard.”

So, next time you find yourself caught in a negative thought spiral, remember this: your thoughts have power. They can lift you or bury you. Choose ones that lift, and then back them up with action. It’s not magic—it’s mindset. And it can change everything.