Energetic thoughts
“Energetic thoughts crystallize into habits of cleanliness and industry, which solidify into circumstances of pleasantness. ”
— James Allen
Reflection
James Allen writes that energetic thoughts crystallize into habits of “vigour and power.” The energy of a life does not begin in the body; it begins in the mind. When your inner world is full of lethargic, complaining, or defeated thinking, your actions will naturally sag. When your thoughts are alive with purpose, gratitude, and expectation, your body finds the strength to match.
You have likely experienced this. On days when you wake up thinking, “Another pointless grind,” everything feels heavy. The same workload seems harder. But when you greet the day with, “There is something meaningful for me to do and learn today,” your step is lighter. The circumstances may be nearly identical; the inner energy is not.
Energetic thoughts are not the same as hype. They are rooted in conviction: God is at work, my life has value, and my choices matter. From that place, you approach tasks—even small ones—with intention rather than boredom. You bring your full attention to what is in front of you instead of sleepwalking through it.
As you practice this kind of thinking, vigour becomes a habit. You start projects more quickly, endure difficulties more patiently, and finish assignments more faithfully. The energy is not always loud, but it is steady—and that steadiness becomes a quiet force in your life.
And that’s worth thinking about.
— Vic Johnson
Putting It Into Practice
- Begin your day by writing one sentence of purpose for the next 24 hours and keep it where you can see it.
- Choose one routine task and do it with full, energetic attention instead of half-heartedly.
- Replace a habitual complaint with a deliberate statement of gratitude or opportunity.
One Question To Ponder
If your level of daily energy followed the quality of your thoughts, what kind of thinking would you need to cultivate more often?
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