“As A Man Thinketh” Worth Reading?

Even though it’s relatively smaller, it's not easy to read or comprehend. Even if you understand it, it's tough and stressful to practice, but if done right, you’ll see your productivity rise to an extent you didn’t know existed.

Cover of As A Man Thinketh from Amazon

The book centres on the profound principle that “Whatever you think and believe, you become.”
Though seemingly straightforward, these words carry a depth of impact that transcends their simplicity, weaving into the fabric of our daily lives with surprising potency. Having committed to practising this principle for just a week, I’ve already witnessed remarkable changes within myself:

1. Embracing the dawn with contentment, I now awaken early without the struggle that once plagued my mornings.
2. Throughout the day, I find myself engrossed in my work, free from the pervasive feeling of missing out on life’s experiences.
3. A sense of happiness and contentment now accompanies me, with peak moments of joy and focused determination becoming the norm.
4. Perhaps most strikingly, I’ve discovered a newfound excitement and clarity in pursuing my dreams and goals, igniting a passion within me that I never knew existed.

In the simplicity of these words lies a transformative power, reshaping not only my actions but also my outlook on life itself.

The pivotal shift lay in altering my thought patterns. Guided by the book’s assertion that we become what we think, I realized the value of regulating my actions and inner dialogue.

Focused thoughts, devoid of self-doubt, hatred, or regret, became my new mantra. I came to understand that any stray thought could set off a domino effect, triggering a cascade of negativity that would manifest in unproductive behaviours like aimless chatter, undue worrying, procrastination, or excessive indulgence in distractions like television or social media.

The true challenge, I discovered, was mastering the art of thought control. To this end, I adopted strict measures like:

1. I severed ties with the relentless stream of negative news, recognizing its potential to incite corresponding thoughts and emotions.
2. I implemented a strict digital detox, disabling all notifications on my phone from platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and even food delivery apps like Swiggy.
3. I consciously limited my interactions to meaningful, goal-oriented conversations, eschewing idle gossip or small talk.
4. I renounced the allure of mindless scrolling and leisure pursuits like movie-watching or gaming, recognizing their propensity to derail my focus.
5. And when my thoughts threatened to spiral out of control, I resorted to the sanctuary of sleep, a reset button for my overwrought mind.

In adhering to these practices, I embarked on a journey of self-mastery, where the reins of my destiny lay not solely in my actions, but in the very fabric of my thoughts.

Photo by Mor Shani on Unsplash

After diligently controlling my thoughts for a week, I’ve encountered the stark reality that maintaining such discipline is no small feat. While I’ve experienced moments of unparalleled focus and contentment, wherein my mind remains steadfastly fixed on my goals and priorities, the slightest hint of doubt or negativity can swiftly disrupt this delicate equilibrium.

It’s as if the scale of emotions has been magnified twofold: the highs feel 100% more exhilarating, while the lows seem to carry a doubly burdensome weight.
Take, for instance, a recent incident where I visited a relative’s home to shoot a video, only for unforeseen circumstances to derail our plans. What might have been a minor setback under normal circumstances felt like an insurmountable obstacle, leaving me hesitant to return to that place ever again.

Final Verdict:
Prolonged periods of intense focus can amplify the impact of even the most trivial setbacks, magnifying their significance in our minds.
This realization has led me to conclude that while the teachings of the book hold immense potential, their implementation is fraught with challenges. Indeed, I would caution against diving into its depths without a solid foundation, recommending it instead as a supplement to those who have already traversed the terrain of 20 to 30 other books. Far from beginner-friendly, this book demands a level of mental fortitude and resilience that few may possess.

Photo by Marc Rafanell López on Unsplash

Let me know if you decide to read it.
Have a Good Day.
Cheers :)