Are You the Product of Your Own Thoughts?

Are the thoughts shaping your life truly your own, or have they been influenced by outside forces?

If you haven't noticed, America is in the middle of a presidential campaign. Celebrity endorsements are coming out of the woodworks. We know who Elon Musk, Taylor Swift, Kid Rock, Bill Nye, and even Lady Gaga's dad are voting for.

Are you taking their input at face value? Are you allowing your voice to become a replica of someone else's?

You might research on your own and find that a celebrity endorsement aligns with your beliefs. But upon deeper research into a politician's policies and plans for our country's future, you could find that you disagree with that celebrity's choice. This doesn't mean you can't still listen to So High School on repeat or drive a Tesla. You simply aren't going to vote for the same person they will. It just means your decision-making is uniquely yours. And that's okay.

In a world where influencers dominate platforms like TikTok, and business leaders like Warren Buffett or Jeff Bezos can sway markets with a single statement, it’s easy to let their voices become our inner compass. But the question remains: Are those choices right for you, or are they right for them?

Social media, television, and news outlets flood us with input. Whether it’s a viral dance craze or a stock tip, we’re constantly being influenced. TikTok influencers have earned their title for a reason—they are shaping opinions, preferences, and decisions. The same applies to influencers in the music, business, and even political spheres. But when you scroll through endless content or watch your favorite celebrity make their next big move, are you thinking critically about what resonates with you, or are you just repeating what they said?

The Weight of Influence

It’s no secret that influence is powerful. From advertisements to celebrity endorsements, we’re often led to believe that if it worked for them, it’ll work for us. But what works for someone else, whether it’s a politician, an entrepreneur, or a pop star, might not align with your own values or needs. And that’s the key: realizing that while someone may influence you, your decisions should remain your own.

We often see this in the business world, where people like Bill Gates, Martha Stewart, and Oprah Winfrey have built empires by thinking differently. They didn’t get to where they are by copying someone else’s blueprint; they carved their own paths. And while we can certainly learn from their journeys, it’s important to remember that blindly following in their footsteps won’t necessarily lead to our success.

Do Your Own Thinking

You might admire an entrepreneur’s relentless innovation or a musician’s songwriting genius, but those qualities don’t mean their political choices or financial strategies are right for you. It’s easy to fall into the trap of adopting opinions or decisions simply because someone you admire believes in them. However, critical thinking requires stepping back and doing the research for yourself.

Here are four important questions to ask yourself when practicing critical thinking:

1) What type of data is needed and is it from a trusted source?

2) What are the biases and assumptions that will impact how we view information or offer a decision?

3) What are the implications of the decision (short and long term)?

4) What are the pros and cons and the rewards and consequences of each?

Asking these questions can help you make more informed, thoughtful decisions rather than simply following in the footsteps of others. By applying critical thinking, you take ownership of your choices, ensuring they align with your unique values, goals, and circumstances.

Authenticity Over Imitation

At the end of the day, you are the one who must live with your choices. It’s fine to take advice, be inspired by others, or even follow trends. But those actions need to be rooted in what’s right for you—not because someone else said it, but because it aligns with your goals and values.

When you adopt someone else’s voice as your own, you lose sight of what makes you unique. Instead of echoing the opinions of celebrities, influencers, or even colleagues, strive to cultivate your own thoughts. Authenticity is far more valuable than imitation.

So, the next time you hear about a celebrity endorsement or see an influencer push the latest trend, take a step back and ask yourself: Does this really fit who I am, or am I just repeating what someone else said?

Shaping Your Own Influence

We’re all influenced by something, but the challenge is to remain intentional about what we allow to shape us. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or simply navigating your daily life, make sure the thoughts guiding your actions are truly your own. By curating the input you allow in and questioning the sources of influence, you ensure that your path is uniquely yours.

In fact, this is exactly what we discuss in our upcoming book, Becoming a Cohesive Leader, how to become intentional about the input that shapes your leadership, your actions, and ultimately, your life. Because at the end of the day, the most powerful influence you can cultivate is your own.

To learn more, click here to purchase your very own copy of my book Cohesion Culture: Proven Principles to Retain Your Top Talent.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Troy Hall is a speaker is the author of the Best-Selling Titles, Cohesion Culture: Proven Principles to RetainYour Top Talent, and Fanny Rules: A Mother’s Leadership Lessons That Never Grow Old. Talent retention expert who travels the globe teaching and motivating C-Suite Executives and Senior HR Leaders on how to retain their top talent. With his Ph.D. in Global Leadership, he has been honored to present at conferences across the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. He is also the Chief Strategy Officer for South Carolina Federal Credit Union, a multi-billion dollar financial institution that consistently wins awards as one of the "Best Places to Work."

My Cart

Main Navigation