As a Man Thinketh

Principais ideias

• Seu caráter é a soma dos seus pensamentos habituais; escolha-os de propósito
• As circunstâncias costumam revelar quem você é, não apenas moldá-lo
• Uma mente descuidada se enche de ervas daninhas; cuide dela todo dia como um jardim
• Preocupação crônica e ressentimento desgastam o corpo e o humor
• Um único propósito claro transforma pensamentos dispersos em conquistas reais

Dentro deste bit

1. Você se torna o que pensa

   Picture a man who complains that life has been unfair to him. His job is dull, his friends let him down, his luck is poor.

2. Sua mente é um jardim

   Allen's central image is a garden. If you plant nothing, weeds arrive on their own.

3. As circunstâncias nascem do caráter

   Here is the part people argue with. Allen says your circumstances do not shape you as much as reveal you.

4. Os pensamentos se refletem no corpo

   Allen goes further and links thinking to health. Fear, envy and chronic worry, he says, wear the body down, while calm, cheerful and purposeful thought supports it.

5. O propósito dá firmeza ao pensamento

   A drifting mind is easy prey for worry, so Allen insists on a central purpose. Pick one aim, large or small, and make it the point your thoughts return to.

6. Coloque em prática

   Start by listening to your own inner talk for one day and writing down the sentences that repeat. You will be surprised how few there are and how often they run.