We take various actions every day, but when we break down the reasons behind them, we realize that “emotions” and “thoughts” play a significant role.
Being aware of this not only helps me set a clear goal, but also helps me understand why I am doing what I am doing.
Have you ever experienced like this?
I’m the type of person who starts by getting all the gear when I begin something new!
For example when I decided to start running, I got super excited and needed to buy cute workout clothes first! Lol
Why? → Because it made me feel excited!
But after buying them, I easily felt satisfied and I skipped my training.
Why? → Because it felt like a hassle.
When you look at it this way, it’s clear that our emotions drive our actions.
We naturally engage in things we enjoy because there’s a positive emotion associated with them.
So, where do these “emotions” come from?
The answer is “thoughts,” specifically our thinking habits and beliefs!
Thoughts Drive Emotions, and Emotions Drive Actions
Our actions are driven by emotions, and those emotions stem from our thoughts.
Our thoughts are influenced by our core beliefs.
(Beliefs) → Thoughts → Emotions → Actions
Understanding this helps us understand why we are doing what we are doing better!
For example, let’s take my favorite topic – heartbreak. (Ouch!)
Heartbreak is painful. That’s a cristal-clear fact.
But have you noticed that it’s not the breakup itself that’s painful?
What makes it painful is our own perspective and thoughts about the event, such as “I am unworthy” or “I will never meet someone like him/her…”
If heartbreak itself was inherently painful, then when I went through a breakup, the whole world would have cried with me, right? Lol
But – of course – my neighbors didn’t care at all.
Why? Because they didn’t share the same thoughts about my experience!
Similarly, when we get a new job, we feel happy and excited even before the work begins or the salary arrives!
That’s because the thought “Now I got a job and will have a secure income!” gives us positive emotions.
Are you with me so far?
The Key Difference Between Those Who Achieve Their Goals and Those Who Don’t
As I mentioned before, one major factor is having a meaningful reason.
Another key factor I think is our thoughs.
For example, let’s say you decide, “I’m committed to losing weight.”
Even if you have a meaningful reason and a deep desire, if you have an underlying belief that says, “I’ll never be able to lose weight anyway,” it will be difficult to stay committed.
On the other hand, if you genuinely believe, “My health is my top priority!” you will naturally develop a positive mindset, making it much easier to take action and stick with it.
You Can Choose Your Thoughts, Emotions, and Actions!
The good news is that you have control over your thoughts, emotions, and actions!
Remember?
We can’t control circumstances, but we can control what’s within us right now.
Let’s summarize! (I’ll show you how my mind works Lol)
Our actions are driven by our emotions.
（A）Actions ＝（B）Emotions
Our emotions are created by our thoughts (our beliefs)
（B）Emotions ＝（C）Thoughs
Our thoughts are within us.
（C）Thoughs ＝（D）What Within Us
We can control what’s within us.
（D）What Within Us ＝ （E）We Can Control
So, A＝B＝C＝D＝E !
We can control our thoughts, emotions, and actions!
Period!
Feel Your Emotions
That’s my message for today!
Okay, we can change/choose our thoughts, emotions and actions! Great!
But the bad new is… it doesn’t mean it is easy.
First, are you good at being aware of your emotions?
Can you clearly name and describe how you feel?
I know many people struggle to recognize their true emotions.
I used to be bad at noticing my own feelings.
It definitely took me conscious effort to develop emotional awareness, but it’s an essential step toward living authentically.
Here are three things I tried to be better feeling my emotions:
- Using an emotion wheel to identify how I’m feeling
- Tracking emotions with an app
- Keeping a journal
There are various emotion wheels available online, so I recommend finding one with a design you like.
I was so surprised at how many different emotions actually exists!
I felt like it was just another English study to me Lol
For emotion tracking, I use the How We Feel app, which is available in Canada.
(This blog is not affiliated with any, by the way!)
Once you get better at feeling your emotions, the next step is to recognize the thoughts and beliefs behind them.
I often hear this phrase: “What story are you telling yourself?”
Changing our thought patterns is a challenge, and I’m still working on it myself.
I’ll share more on How To in another post!
So, how are you feeling right now?
Even if you’re feeling down, that’s totally okay – all emotion is valid.
What matters most is being honest with yourself
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