The more energy you put into trying to control your ideas and what you think about, the more your ideas end up controlling you
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote highlights the paradoxical nature of control. It suggests that the more we try to control our thoughts and ideas, the more they end up controlling us. This quote is a reminder that our thoughts and ideas are not always within our control, and sometimes the harder we try to control them, the more they control us. It encourages us to let go of the need for absolute control and instead focus on accepting our thoughts and ideas without judgment. By doing so, we can avoid getting trapped in a cycle of trying to control our thoughts and instead focus our energy on positive actions.
Who said the quote?
The quote "The more energy you put into trying to control your ideas and what you think about, the more your ideas end up controlling you" was said in the book Antifragile (Summary / Quotes) by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a highly influential author and statistician who is known for his work on randomness, probability, and the impact of highly improbable events.
What's the quote's message?
The quote is a powerful reminder that our thoughts can be both our greatest asset and our biggest obstacle. It suggests that when we become too obsessed with controlling our thoughts, we actually give them more power over us.
Many people believe that they can control every aspect of their thoughts and that by doing so, they can shape their reality. They spend countless hours analyzing and scrutinizing their thoughts, trying to keep them positive and productive. However, this approach can backfire because it leads to a constant fight against our minds.
The more we try to control our thoughts, the more our minds resist. Our thoughts become more stubborn, and they refuse to bend to our will. The harder we push, the more they push back. This cycle can lead to a state of mental exhaustion, anxiety, and stress.
The truth is that we cannot control every thought that comes into our minds. We are human, and our minds are complex and ever-changing. We are influenced by our experiences, emotions, and environment, and our thoughts are a reflection of all of these factors.
Instead of trying to control our thoughts, we should focus on understanding and accepting them. We can learn to observe our thoughts without judgment, acknowledging their presence without attaching meaning to them. When we stop trying to control our thoughts, we free ourselves from the burden of constantly trying to shape our reality. We become more open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives.
The quote also suggests that our thoughts can become a source of power when we learn to harness them. When we let go of the need to control our thoughts, we can direct our mental energy towards more productive pursuits. We can use our thoughts to create new ideas, solve problems, and achieve our goals.
* Want to explore more inspiring quotes and their meanings? Head over to this quotes page and discover a treasure trove of motivational phrases.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
