About this quote

Your brain absorbs every piece of garbage you let near it, from petty gossip to constant doomscrolling. You would not let a stranger dump actual trash on your living room floor, so why let toxic thoughts settle in your head? You have to actively filter what you read, hear, and believe. If you do not decide what gets your attention, other people will decide for you. Protect your focus because your actions always follow your thoughts.

When to use it

• When a coworker tries to drag you into bitter office gossip during lunch. 'Sorry, I can't get into this drama right now; I need to keep my head clear for my afternoon tasks.'
• Before starting a tough study session for an exam when your phone starts buzzing. 'I am turning off notifications because I need to protect my concentration.'
• When scrolling social media makes you feel inadequate about your lifestyle. 'I need to close this app before I start spending money I do not have just to impress strangers.'
• After a bad workout when you start spiraling into self-doubt. 'Stop that thought right there; one bad day does not mean my fitness program is a failure.'