The ancient philosopher Confucius said: "Sow a thought - reap an act; sow an act - reap a habit; sow a character - reap a destiny."
We can meet a similar saying with the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: "Be mindful of your thoughts - they are the beginning of our actions."
So what is a thought and why is it so important in the starting point to our destiny?
Our Universe is incomprehensible, and there are many hypotheses on the origin and essence of thought. Therefore, this question remains open today. First of all, a thought is something that carries some kind of information. The main view is that with our judgments we shape reality. But is this plausible if thought is intangible? Perhaps, since the thought is not in the head, but in the metaphysical space, in the repository of the past, present and future. People, unlike animals that are guided by their natural instincts, have the right to choose their fate and say boldly: "Sow a habit - reap a character." Each person is able to create any world he wants, the main thing is to be conscious and persistent in his pursuit of an ideal image. So the materialization of thoughts into actions takes place.
How does this happen in practice?
If thought were initially material, then what we are thinking about would find its place in reality. Fortunately, this does not happen. Our ability to think is a very interesting process. If you close your eyes and watch your thoughts, then at some point comes the realization that thoughts are born one after another as if from the outside, that is, we are in the role of an observer. Depending on the intellect and worldview, a person connects to his thematic segment of obtaining information. This is the work of our world, that is, a metaphysical space.
Through reflection, the intention and intention to do something is born. Therefore, each person must understand that all our actions have their beginning in our thoughts.
Sow the act - reap the habit
There are two reasons why it is difficult for people to change. Why in the evening we decide to start running in the morning, and the next day we come up with a lot of excuses to avoid jogging? Scientists have proven that a person gets used to think and act according to one stereotype. The human brain consists of many neurons that form neural connections. So what is a habit? From the above it follows that habit is an electrochemical path from one neuron to another. These are constant, repetitive day-to-day activities. For example, the habit of drinking coffee or brushing your teeth in the morning. But sometimes people fall in love with their patterns of behavior that lead a person to dissatisfaction in life. Such habits are called bad. These are those that take energy, impair appearance and have a detrimental effect on health. Here is a sample list of bad habits:
- Gambling addiction.
- Addiction.
- Smoking and alcohol.
- Laziness and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Binge eating.
- Non-observance of the regimen of the day and late going to bed.
This is only a small part of them, since there are an incredible amount of things that can poison a person’s life.
"Sow a habit - reap a character": the meaning of expression
Man is these symbiosis of two components: temperament and spiritual character. That is, in man - biology and genetics. These are the components of the personality that people are not able to change and somehow influence them. The name for this is temperament, and it comes in four types:
- Sanguine.
- Choleric.
- Melancholic.
- Phlegmatic.
All people are different, and it’s wonderful. Everyone has their own temperament, and you need to appreciate and respect in yourself. So how does habit shape us, and what is the meaning of the saying: "Sow a habit - reap a character"?
A spiritual character is a zone of a person’s freedom, that which he himself builds. For the ancient Greeks, character is a seal. What makes up our character? The proverb "Sow a habit - reap a character" is due to many factors. First of all, these are moral habits that have been brought up since childhood. The easiest way to survive is to copy the character of those involved in your upbringing. They have already survived, therefore, their character is adapted. It is this nature formation method that nature has chosen: children copy their parents. The information that was received in childhood is the basis for later life. A man becomes what he wants to become. The character of a person is determined by what decisions he makes.
Personal formation in harmony of body and spirit
If a person consists only of temperament, then he is determined, there is no freedom in him. Just a biological product that does not need to think, does not need to be responsible for their actions. But when a person builds his character - this is his spiritual aspect of personality. Also, denying his biology, a person, not seeing restrictions, can lead his life to catastrophic consequences in the field of nature. And if you deny your spirit, it is a denial of your freedom and responsibility. Therefore, only harmony of biology and spirit can lead to the formation of personality.
Adaptation of character to environmental conditions
Each of us is endowed with its own special character traits. But there is such a thing as adaptation of character to the world around us. The more we adapt, the calmer our life will be. Adapted people feel comfortable in any life situations. They have exceptional flexibility of character and are able to adapt to an objective environment. A smart person is the most adapted person.
Willpower - Strength of Character
We all know people who achieve their goal. Others, for years, cannot lose weight, quit smoking, or enroll in English courses. Often there is no difference between these people. They are not smarter and not more beautiful than others, but there is one quality that distinguishes them. This quality is willpower. Very often people think that it can be developed. But, alas, willpower is a more innate trait than acquired. Therefore, willpower cannot be developed, but you can start working on your habits.
Habit: how to deal with it
All bad habits and addictions seduce us because they promise us pleasure. How to learn not to let slack and avoid laziness? Keep in mind a list of bad habits and resist the temptation? Is it possible to apply a certain strategy and start moving towards your goals and dreams? What is missing? The answer is extremely simple - there is not enough habit to do anything and motivation.
You must learn to do avoidable things automatically. After all, thought is first born, then action, then habit and character. The first is the right attitude and focus of thought on the desired action. The rule of small steps and the rule of regularity also contribute to the formation of habits.
Books, people, places, events and other ways that will nourish your mind can motivate you to build habits. But when a person is fueled by something, it should not become an obsession.
So, to summarize. Thought, action, habit and character. Surround yourself with the necessary information and motivators from which you can draw strength and motivation.
