Mar 24 2015 : The Economic Times (Delhi) Vedanta - You're What You Think ANUP TANEJA   Every masterpiece in the making requires a lot of effort.However, in some cases, despite sincere efforts, the art simply remains art; it does not become a masterpiece. This can lead to frustration, low self-esteem and reduced self-confidence. The path to achievement is never easy . Every task or goal has its unique challenges and roadblocks.Why do negative thoughts hold sway at times? Perhaps because uncontrolled thoughts render the mind weak. If you carefully observe your thought patterns, you will find that many thoughts are inconsistent. The mind wanders at random aimlessly . There will be some thoughts of household issues, some thoughts of bank balance, of eating and drinking, of going to a mo vie, and so many others. When you are absorbed in studying a book at 7:00 p.m., the expectation of pleasure of watching a cricket match on television at 8:00 p.m. distracts you every now and then. When it is time to meditate, one thinks instead of sleep. You have within you the power to accomplish everything you want; that power lies in the will. Dispassionately analysing our thought patterns for at least 15 minutes daily , preferably early in the morning, could help us focus better. Introspection will tell us that each of our habits creates a specific `groove' in the brain, and that these patterns make us behave in a certain way , often against our wish. However, through the practice of concentration and meditation, we can neuter bad habits by creating more thought patterns of good habits.