Buddha's Wise Words On What Shapes Us

A powerful quote, a simple action, and a spark to ensure your continued progress—welcome to Wise Words Weekly!

🤔Every week, we disect, investigate, and unpack a wisdom-packed quote from a wise, successful, and inspirational person. We explore many different self-development topics such as your Personal Growth, Mindset, Well-Being, Relationships, Leadership, and Gratitude. The Wise Words Weekly newsletter is designed to spark your continued progress, one small step at a time. 📈 None of this content should be construed as any type of investment or other professional advice. If you like quotes as much as we do, you may enjoy our Wise Words YouTube channel, too. Click here to check it out.

This week, we’re diving into Mindset and the power of choosing what shapes your thoughts.

🔥Quote of the Week:

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.”
—Buddha

🤔Reflection:

Your mind is very fertile soil. Exactly what you plant is exactly what grows. If your mindset isn’t right, your life can’t be right.

Buddha’s timeless wisdom reminds us that our thoughts define who we become, and those thoughts are fueled by what we consume daily. Every book, podcast, video, or conversation is a seed. Are you sowing wisdom from those who’ve walked the path you aspire to, or are you letting weeds such as endless social media scrolls, mindless sitcoms, or addictive video gamesc rowd out your potential?

Consider the difference: an hour spent reading a biography of someone like Nelson Mandela or listening to a podcast by an entrepreneur like Sara Blakely can spark ideas, resilience, and clarity. An hour lost to you being held hostage by TikTok or a fictional drama might feel fun but leaves you empty. The average American spends over 2 hours daily on social media, per a 2023 Statista report, and 7 hours watching TV weekly. That’s time stolen from learning, creating, or connecting with mentors.

Now, think of someone you admire. Say, Elon Musk or Richard Branson for instance. They didn’t become brilliant business giants by binging Netflix or gaming 24/7. They consumed what aligned with their goals: books, conversations, and ideas from those who’d already succeeded. As Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” That includes the authors, creators, and voices you feed into your mind.

As I write this, playing in the background is a conversation of two very successful men having a conversation about the latest developments of a company I own stock in. As the saying goes, I’m killing two birds with one stone.

Choose your inputs wisely and maximize your efficiency. And, you’ll cultivate a mindset that propels you forward further than you ever dreamed possible.

🏆Why Your Inputs Matter

Your brain is a sponge, absorbing whatever you feed it. High-quality inputs—books, podcasts, or videos from accomplished thinkers—build knowledge, perspective, and discipline. Low-quality inputs, like social media rabbit holes or escapist entertainment, clutter your mind and sap your focus.

The Upside: A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that engaging with intellectually stimulating content (e.g., reading nonfiction or listening to educational podcasts) boosts cognitive flexibility and problem-solving. People who model their habits after successful mentors also report higher motivation and goal attainment, per a 2021 Journal of Applied Psychology study.

The Downside: Excessive screen time on low-value content correlates with anxiety, reduced attention spans, and lower productivity, according to a 2020 Nature study. Scrolling X or watching sitcom reruns might feel relaxing, but it’s mental junk food.

Buddha’s wisdom cuts through the noise: to become your best self, guard the gate of your mind.

🔬The Science Behind Learning

Your brain rewires itself based on what you consume, a process called neuroplasticity. When you dive into a book like Atomic Habits by James Clear or a podcast like How I Built This, you activate neural pathways tied to learning and growth. Dopamine reinforces the habit, making it easier to seek out more. Conversely, endless scrolling triggers short-term dopamine hits but overstimulates your brain, reducing focus, per a 2018 Journal of Behavioral Addictions study.

Psychologist Anders Ericsson’s research on deliberate practice shows that studying the habits of experts accelerates mastery. Want to start a business? Listen to Reid Hoffman’s Masters of Scale. Want to improve your health? Read Lifespan by David Sinclair. These inputs don’t just inform—they transform!💪

🧬Stories That Bring It to Life

Take Warren Buffett, who famously spends 80% of his day reading—books, annual reports, and biographies of great thinkers. His input? The distilled wisdom of history’s best minds. The result? One of the most successful investors ever.

Or consider Lisa, a graphic designer stuck in a creative rut. She swapped her nightly Netflix habit for TED Talks and design books by legends like Paula Scher. Within months, her portfolio glowed with bold ideas, and she landed a dream client. Her shift started with one choice: trading mindless entertainment for inspiration.

🏃‍♂️How to Start Today

Ready to curate your mental diet?

Here’s a simple roadmap:

• Audit Your Inputs: For one day, track how much time you spend on social media, TV, or games vs. books, podcasts, or learning. Be honest—what’s feeding your mind?

• Choose One Hero: Pick someone who’s achieved what you want (e.g., a successful author, athlete, or CEO). Find their book, podcast, or interview. Start there.

• Set a Daily Dose: Commit to 15 minutes daily of high-quality input—read a chapter, listen to a podcast episode, or watch a YouTube talk by an expert.

• Cut the Noise: Limit social media or TV to 30 minutes daily. Use apps like Freedom or StayFocusd to block distractions.

• Reflect and Apply: After consuming, jot down one idea or action to try. Knowledge without action is just trivia.

🎇A Challenge to Spark Change

Replace one low-value input with a high-value one this week. Swap 15 minutes of social media or TV for a podcast episode, a book chapter, or a video by someone who inspires you. For example, try The Tim Ferriss Show for productivity tips or read The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday for resilience. Track how you feel by Sunday—more focused? Inspired?

I ditched Facebook and now spend that time reading books. Currently, learning to trade stock options. One book, Laughing At Wall Street by Chris Camillo, completely rewired how I see the future of my stock market investments. That small shift changed my trajectory.

It might feel tough to skip your favorite show at first. But a month from now, you’ll be richer in ideas and closer to your goals. Try it!

💪Your Action:

Pick one high-quality input to explore this week—like a book by someone you admire or a podcast episode from an expert in your field. Spend 15 minutes daily on it, and note one insight or action by Sunday.

🗣️Let’s Connect:

What’s a habit you’re thinking of trying? Share it on 𝕏! @WiseWordsIQ

I’d love to hear your story and cheer you on!

🤔What’s Next?

Next week, expect another dose of wisdom (maybe we will touch on Leadership or Gratitude?) to keep your momentum going. Stay tuned for exclusive insights you won’t find on my X feed!

Here’s to your constant progress!

Your friend,

Grant

Find me on 𝕏: @WiseWordsIQ

P.S. Want to dive deeper into learning? Check out Mindset by Carol Dweck—a game-changer for growth!

P.P.S. 🔥Want to unlock the secret to a WINNING MINDSET?!💡 Like building muscle💪, you can train your brain🧠—but only if you know how.

Most people stumble through life, totally unaware their subconscious is silently sabotaging them. Limiting beliefs and habits they are completely unaware of are holding them back from living an absolutely fantastic life full of everything they want and deserve! ✨💰💫

The Winning Mindset Formula shows you how to spot these invisible shackles, shatter them, and step into your power.💪 

Act now! Your breakthrough awaits!🚀👇