The Power of Thoughts in Personal Development

Eric Stone
4 min readSep 2, 2023

What if your thoughts were just silent actors on a stage?

© 2023 Philippe Benichou

Do your thoughts know they exist? Consider this: what if your thoughts were just silent actors on a stage? They would not be aware of themselves. What if you were the director? They would be like the paint on an artist’s palette — just colors void of a creative expression until you decide how to use them. In the labyrinth of our minds, a profound revelation emerges: thoughts, like whispers in the night, possess no innate consciousness. They exist as fragments, fleeting and formless aspects of reality.

In this intricate cognitive dance, one truth stands resolute — thoughts don’t know they are thoughts; their transformative potential into action is solely within our control. Are we not the guardians of our consciousness?

Venture further into this cerebral maze, and you encounter another stark reality: thoughts alone are innocuous specters, incapable of inflicting pain or performing healing. It is the hands that use them, the voices that utter them, that render them kindhearted or cruel. Thoughts don’t kill; people do. Thoughts don’t hurt; words do.

We literally buy into our thoughts or not:

This distinction is a cornerstone of our existence, one we must confront with unwavering clarity. Here’s another way to look at this: thoughts are like untested theories. They lack validity until you embrace them as your own. It’s at this moment that the seeds of ideology and manipulation can take root. On one side, there are beliefs and rights; on the other, the treacherous terrain of brainwashing and dictatorships. What thoughts will we embrace and give authority to?

Beyond this realization lies the other revelation that the mind, that enigmatic vessel of intellect, harbors no intrinsic will of its own, no motor to drive it into action. Unless you are confusing yourself with your mind, it remains an inert canvas, a void waiting to be filled. Only when thoughts become motorized by the potent forces of emotions, willpower, motivation, and desire do they ascend from the realms of contemplation to the heights of action, their point of no return.

But here’s where it gets even more real — until you understand how you truly feel, decisions lack life-affirming power. We’re not just creatures of logic; we live on a physical-emotional plane. It’s emotions that propel us, whether toward noble deeds or regrettable actions.

This represents the very essence of what it means to be human. The transformative power of emotions, the art of wielding words as both a sword and a shield, and the relentless current of desires course through our lives. These truths are not mere principles; they are immutable facts that guide our existence.

At this level of understanding, self-awareness becomes a beacon, and choices manifest as the brushstrokes that paint the canvas of our lives.

Inescapable Awareness:

Recognize that thoughts are an inescapable facet of our consciousness. There’s no opting out; they’re constantly with us. It’s an absolute truth that we must acknowledge.

Actions Rooted in Motivation:

Understand that actions are born from motivations, emotions, willpower, and desire. There’s no bypassing this fundamental truth. If you want to achieve anything, you must harness these internal forces.

Words as Weapons:

Words possess unparalleled power. They can either heal or harm. There’s no neutrality here; every word you utter carries weight. Use them with unwavering responsibility because not a single human being can un-hear what they’ve heard.

Unavoidable Desires:

Desires, including the primal force of sex, are part of the human condition. They arise unbidden, and there’s no escaping them. Your choice lies in how you navigate and express them.

Action Proves Intent:

Intentions, faith, and commitments are proven only through actions. Thoughts alone are inconsequential. To be resolute in your beliefs, your actions must unequivocally align.

Life on Two Planes:

Life exists on both a physical and emotional plane. You cannot separate the two. To make profound decisions, we must acknowledge and harmonize these realms.

Harnessing Emotions:

Emotions are the undeniable catalysts for action and persuasion. But emotions are not mere whims or fleeting states; they are great forces to be harnessed. Emotions move us, they are either inspired, provoked or triggered by external events. Their range depends on the level of suppression our upbringing has imposed. Some emotions are openly encouraged and expressed, while others are clearly deemed unacceptable. It can leave us feeling powerless.

From overt anger to apathy, once released, emotions have absolute dominion over us. They have the power to influence our thoughts, behaviors, and, most significantly, our moods. It’s at this point that we begin to comprehend the paradox of control — it’s not until we fully embrace and allow the full strength of our emotions that we can truly learn to manage them. Emotions cease to be tumultuous forces that sweep us away; instead, they become conduits for understanding ourselves and our responses to the world around us.

In the journey of personal growth and development, the mastery of emotions is a pivotal stage. It’s not about stifling or ignoring them, but rather about learning to harness their energy and wisdom. Emotions have intelligence, they just speak a different and unique language. They can become powerful allies on the path to self-awareness, helping us make more informed and life-affirming decisions.

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Eric Stone
Eric Stone

Written by Eric Stone

In personal growth & development, great outcomes come from authentic shifts in perspective! These essays aim to catalyze awareness and empower creative thinking