Thinking Before Acting

How important is it to engage your mind before putting your mouth or body in motion? A friend of mine often says, “Of all the things I miss, I miss my mind the most.” While this lighthearted remark brings a smile, it also carries a deeper truth—often spoken in response to an unwise decision.

However, I would argue that it’s not so much that we miss our minds, but rather that we dismiss them, acting instinctively instead. Many of us operate out of ingrained behavioral patterns developed over time rather than fully considering the reasons or consequences of our actions.

The Influence of Thought on Action

James Allen wrote an excellent little book in 1903 titled As a Man Thinketh. The title and inspiration for the book come from Proverbs 23:7 (KJV): “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” In the first chapter, Allen asserts, “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.” He goes on to argue that our actions are fundamentally shaped by our thoughts.

Peter Senge, in his book The Fifth Discipline, expands on this idea, suggesting that we function more out of our mental models—deeply ingrained beliefs that influence how we think and act—than from critical or systemic thinking. As such, real progress comes when we assess and challenge these mental models.

The Power of Thought in Shaping Our Lives

For years, I used the tagline, “How you think will shape the course of your life.” My premise was that our thinking is the primary determinant of our decisions and their consequences, whether positive or negative. Henry Ford famously said, “If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” This speaks to the reality that our mindset influences our choices, and our choices shape our lives.

Every decision we make stems from either thoughtful consideration or an automatic reaction. The word react itself suggests a repeated, learned response rather than a deliberate, intentional action.

Setting an Intentional Course

If we want to achieve a vision or a preferred future, we must make wise choices. And to make wise choices, we must engage our minds—thinking critically about our options and considering how they align with our character and long-term goals.

It is wise to set an optimal course for ourselves, thoughtfully mapping out the steps to navigate that path. By doing so, we increase our chances of reaching our goals rather than drifting aimlessly and missing the mark.