Awhile back I took this picture of my dog Gus…

So, what do you think Gus is thinking about?

More importantly, what are you thinking about?

Meaning, what thoughts occupy your mind most? What types of things do you find yourself pondering most often? Are your thoughts mostly positive or mostly negative?

One of the most vital leadership skills you can develop is the ability to control your thoughts. As leadership coach, consultant, and author Barry Banther writes, “What we think determines our decisions, our deeds, and ultimately our destiny.”

Not only is this an important leadership skill;, it’s a much-needed life skill; which is why the apostle Paul wrote the following in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

In that verse, Paul is not telling us to ignore troubling circumstances or sweep aside difficulties; rather, he is encouraging us to take control over what we choose to focus on. Because, as Banther points out, our thoughts determine the direction (and quality) of our lives.

This skill is especially relevant to our social-media age that is defined by lies, hatred, trolling, demonizing, and negativity. If you allow yourself to be influenced by such things, your relationships will be adversely affected and your leadership influence will be diminished.

But, on the other hand, if you can train your brain to see opportunities in the midst of challenges, beauty in the midst of ugliness, love in the midst of hatred – and if you can learn to see the best in others instead of looking for the worst – you will be a more impactful leader.

And you’ll be more fulfilled in life.

So, what are you thinking about?