Your speech and your deeds are the outputs of your thoughts and reveal both your character integrity and your comfort level (Luke 6:45, James 1:22, 3:18). But what you do with your thoughts before you take action shapes your reality. The use of positive self-talk drives mental imaging which enhances goal achievement and is paramount to successful self-leadership (Neck, C. P., & Manz, C. C. (1992), Neck, H. M., Manz, C. C., & Godwin, J. (1999)). Neuroscientists Emmons and McNamara agree that religion impacts brain mechanics; it establishes a perspective that generates hopeful thinking which sets the direction for your decision-making that shapes your life outcomes (2006). Staying mindful of God generates a host of positive options to your problem solving. Looking up, memorizing and speaking Bible verses gives you an arsenal of ammunition to use when thinking of how to resolve difficult circumstances. ​

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The process of adding words to your thoughts establishes neural pathways that, when repeated often, speed the automacy of brain patterns which, with time, become efficient habits, without regard to the quality of the habit (Wood, W., & Neal, D. T. (2007). Wood and Neal explain that these habitual speech patterns develop regardless of the behavior taken which can explain the possibility for either cognitive consistency or cognitive dissonance developing from decision-making. This helps to explain the Apostle Paul’s statement about being able to do what you don’t want to do (the science of neuroplasticity, Romans 7:15-17). A direct advantage of Christian cognitive consistency (when what you do matches what you think/say) is that it can bring you peace among turmoil. Engage your heart-brain connection (Armour, J. A., 1998). To learn more about the biological connection between the heart and the brain research the term Neuro-cardiology. ​

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Words capture thoughts. When you start talking, thinking is interrupted by the spoken word. Try it. Count to 10 but right in the middle of counting from 5 to 10, say your name. Because speaking interrupts thinking, you can talk yourself out of negative thoughts. With a willful decision, you can replace stressful thoughts by speaking God’s Word, despite your circumstances (Proverbs 18:21). When you believe what God’s Word says and when you speak it in truth and not out of context, God will produce His intended result (Isaiah 55:10-12). Guard what goes into your ears and eyes (Proverbs 4:23). See Appendix 1R for power thoughts. ​