May 1, some ten days ago, Saint George hosted their first official Ironman race. For those who are unfamiliar with what this entails, it is an event that takes an athlete through a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride only to finish it off with a full 26.2 mile marathon run. It is a true test in pushing the limits of what a human body can physically do and accomplish. Regardless of whether or not you would consider yourself a sports fan, it is hard not to appreciate the sheer will and determination these participants possess. It is on this topic I continue my thoughts from last week.
Last Thursday I discussed the power that a mere memory can contain inside each of us. That by remembering who we are, and what potential we hold, we can in fact change destinies. As part of that post I said, “Our minds are such wonderful and powerful tools,” and this is something that I truly believe full-heartedly. Today I turn to a book that I’ve read many times by James Allen entitled As a Man Thinketh. There are many nuggets of knowledge and wisdom in this book, but today I specifically wish to address the power our thoughts have on our circumstances.
Now, I can easily understand someone questioning our thoughts (an inward action) being able to control and modify the environment in which we find ourselves (outward influences), but I promise you it is true. James states –
Thought and character are one…the outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. The outer world of circumstance shapes itself to the inner world of thought…Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself…Man, therefore, as the lord and master of thought, is the maker of himself, the shaper and author of environment.
To illustrate this very concept let me introduce you to Ironman Scott Goodfellow. This is a video that my brother Benjamin shared with me (thanks friend), and I felt compelled to share with you. No one picks this guy off the ground but himself, and you literally watch how his mental toughness (his very thoughts) alter his physical circumstances and allow him to continue and finish the race when moments before he could barely drink water.
Life and accomplishment doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around completing an Ironman, but the truths learned through a competition of this magnitude certainly apply to all facets of life; that as masters of thought, we are therefore makers of ourselves, and as makers of ourselves we can literally shape the environments in which we live. Remember, and keep close to your heart, the mantra from the video, “I know I can,” and we can all truly live like Lions no matter what our aspirations in life.
"You can quit and they won't care, but you will always know."
Last Thursday I discussed the power that a mere memory can contain inside each of us. That by remembering who we are, and what potential we hold, we can in fact change destinies. As part of that post I said, “Our minds are such wonderful and powerful tools,” and this is something that I truly believe full-heartedly. Today I turn to a book that I’ve read many times by James Allen entitled As a Man Thinketh. There are many nuggets of knowledge and wisdom in this book, but today I specifically wish to address the power our thoughts have on our circumstances.
Now, I can easily understand someone questioning our thoughts (an inward action) being able to control and modify the environment in which we find ourselves (outward influences), but I promise you it is true. James states –
Thought and character are one…the outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. The outer world of circumstance shapes itself to the inner world of thought…Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself…Man, therefore, as the lord and master of thought, is the maker of himself, the shaper and author of environment.
To illustrate this very concept let me introduce you to Ironman Scott Goodfellow. This is a video that my brother Benjamin shared with me (thanks friend), and I felt compelled to share with you. No one picks this guy off the ground but himself, and you literally watch how his mental toughness (his very thoughts) alter his physical circumstances and allow him to continue and finish the race when moments before he could barely drink water.
Life and accomplishment doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around completing an Ironman, but the truths learned through a competition of this magnitude certainly apply to all facets of life; that as masters of thought, we are therefore makers of ourselves, and as makers of ourselves we can literally shape the environments in which we live. Remember, and keep close to your heart, the mantra from the video, “I know I can,” and we can all truly live like Lions no matter what our aspirations in life.
"You can quit and they won't care, but you will always know."
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That last line sums up your article perfectly! After this I'm ready to control my environment and make sure the outcome is positive. Also, makes me rethink Pres. Hinckley a bit, he was probably the most mentally tough person due to his continued positive thinking regardless of the situation
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