You are always free to choose what you Meaning Factcheck Usage
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You are always free to choose what you think about. It sounds simple, almost too simple, right? But this is one of those deceptively powerful ideas that completely changes your trajectory once you truly internalize it. It’s the ultimate lever for personal control.

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Table of Contents

Meaning

At its core, this quote is about radical mental ownership. It’s the fundamental principle that while you can’t always control your circumstances, your mental and emotional response is 100% your choice.

Explanation

Look, I used to get totally derailed by a tough client meeting or a lost deal. My whole day would be shot. I’d ruminate. It was brutal. Then this concept clicked. The event itself isn’t the problem—it’s the narrative I choose to build around it. Do I choose to think “I’m a failure,” or do I choose to think “Okay, what’s the lesson here? What’s my next move?” That shift, that tiny gap between stimulus and response, is where all the power is. It’s literally the difference between feeling like a victim of your day and being the architect of it.

Quote Summary

ContextAttributes
Original LanguageEnglish (3668)
CategoryPersonal Development (697)
Topicschoice (55), freedom (82), thinking (18)
Literary Stylephilosophical (434)
Emotion / Moodreflective (382)
Overall Quote Score78 (178)
Reading Level45
Aesthetic Score85

Origin & Factcheck

This comes straight from Brian Tracy’s 2002 book, Be a Sales Superstar. While the idea has echoes in Stoic philosophy and even Viktor Frankl, this specific phrasing is Tracy’s, aimed squarely at sales professionals facing rejection and market pressures.

Attribution Summary

ContextAttributes
AuthorBrian Tracy (375)
Source TypeBook (4032)
Source/Book NameBe a Sales Superstar: 21 Great Ways to Sell More, Faster, Easier in Tough Markets (48)
Origin Timeperiod21st Century (1892)
Original LanguageEnglish (3668)
AuthenticityVerified (4032)

Author Bio

Brian Tracy, a prolific author gained global reputation because of his best seller book list such as Eat That Frog!, Goals!, and The Psychology of Selling, and created influential audio programs like The Psychology of Achievement. He is sought after guru for personal development and business performance. Brian Tracy International, coaches millions of professionals and corporates on sales, goal setting, leadership, and productivity.
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Where is this quotation located?

QuotationYou are always free to choose what you think about
Book DetailsPublication Year: 2003; ISBN: 978-1-57675-273-9; Latest Edition: AMACOM, 2003; Number of Pages: 128.
Where is it?Chapter 18: The Mental Boundaries, Approximate page from 2003 edition: 119

Authority Score93

Context

Tracy puts this in the middle of a book about thriving in “tough markets.” He’s not talking about abstract philosophy; he’s giving a survival tool. For a salesperson, a negative thought spiral after a “no” can poison the next ten calls. Mastering your internal dialogue isn’t soft skill—it’s a revenue-protection strategy.

Usage Examples

So how do you actually use this? Let’s get practical.

  • For a Leader: Your team misses a target. Instead of dwelling on the failure in the Monday meeting, you consciously choose to focus the conversation on “What did we learn and what’s our new, smarter plan?” You’re directing the collective mindset.
  • For a Creator/Entrepreneur: You get a harsh piece of criticism. The default thought might be “I’m a fraud.” The chosen thought is “Is there any useful signal in this noise I can use to improve?” One thought paralyzes you, the other propels you forward.
  • For Anyone Stressed: You’re stuck in traffic. You can choose to fume, amplify your anxiety, and arrive frustrated. Or you can choose to put on a podcast, an audiobook, or just use the time to think. You reclaim the time.

This is for anyone who feels their environment dictates their mood. So, basically, everyone.

To whom it appeals?

ContextAttributes
ThemeWisdom (1754)
Audiencescoaches (1277), leaders (2619), professionals (751), students (3111)
Usage Context/Scenariomental health talks (23), mindset training (21), personal growth programs (42)

Share This Quote Image & Motivate

Motivation Score85
Popularity Score80
Shareability Score85

FAQ

Question: But what about intrusive thoughts? I can’t just choose to stop those.

Answer: Absolutely right. The key isn’t to stop the first, automatic thought. It’s about your *second* thought—the one you choose to engage with. Acknowledge the intrusive thought, then consciously select a better one to focus on. It’s a muscle you build.

Question: Isn’t this just “positive thinking” and ignoring real problems?

Answer: Not at all. This is strategic thinking. It’s not about ignoring a problem; it’s about choosing to focus your mental energy on the *solution* rather than the problem itself. That’s a huge, active difference.

Question: How long does it take to get good at this?

Answer: It’s a lifelong practice, honestly. But you’ll see small wins immediately. The first time you consciously redirect your thoughts during a moment of frustration and feel the tension release, you’ll be hooked. It’s that powerful.

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