The Power of Mind Training for Better Decisions
Making tough decisions or feeling stuck can be frustrating, as thoughts become blocked. Brian Tracy, a motivational speaker, was surprised to learn that people only use about 10% of their mental ability. He realized there was untapped potential in the mind that could lead to better decision-making.
To address this, Tracy developed a mental training method to make better decisions, enabling individuals to recognize and capitalize on opportunities at both personal and professional levels.
Slow Down Your Thinking
The human mind can process multiple things rapidly, with a consciousness flow rate of approximately 1,500 words per minute. However, juggling too many thoughts simultaneously often leads to confusion.
Although we may feel like multitaskers, our minds can only focus on one thought at a time to make a decision or act more effectively.
“Stopping to think before speaking or acting almost always improves the final outcome. Developing the habit of slow thinking is one of the best practices you can adopt,” advises Brian Tracy.
In times of turbulence or significant changes, Tracy suggests taking a calm approach and dedicating one to three days for solitude to clear your mind.
Information is Power
Thinking more agilely involves not just reflection but also research, investigation, and seeking advice from trusted individuals or those who inspire you. Therefore, before taking action, analyze the situation and prevent wasting time and resources.
“Seek real facts, not the obvious or what you assume. Ask for opinions and consult people in your industry, as their insights might change your perspective,” suggests Tracy.
He also emphasizes that gaining more information and experience can be achieved by becoming your own business advisor and reconsidering uncomfortable yet necessary ideas.
Goals: More Than Just Wishes
Brian Tracy recounts finding an old book with the phrase, “If you want success, you must have goals,” which helped him sharpen his mind and boost productivity.
Goals, he explains, allow for higher quality, focus on a specific objective, and can be achieved in less time. They are also the best option when facing uncertainty or not knowing where to start.
However, Tracy stresses that setting goals involves more than just writing them down; it requires assigning a definitive deadline and providing a detailed description.
“Only 3% of adults have clear, written goals, which enables them to accomplish ten times more than the average person achieves throughout their working life,” he notes.
Negative Thoughts Isolate
Focusing on failure or fear of trying new things leads to negative thoughts that hinder mental agility. Conversely, a positive outlook fuels success.
“Cultivating positive thinking requires effort until it becomes a natural response to life and circumstances. Learning and practicing can help you become a positive thinker,” Tracy concludes.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How can I make better decisions? A: Train your mind to think calmly, gather information, and choose wisely.
- Q: Why is slow thinking important? A: It helps improve the quality of your final decisions and actions.
- Q: How can I gather more information for better decisions? A: Seek real facts, consult industry peers, and become your own business advisor.
- Q: What role do goals play in decision-making? A: Goals provide focus, increase quality, and enable faster achievement of objectives.
- Q: How does a positive mindset impact decision-making? A: Positive thinking enhances mental agility and contributes to success.
