Without a doubt, our minds are powerful. Without a doubt, our minds are unique.
Our minds are a beautiful part of us, forever creating and giving us protection when we really need it. Understanding how the mind works can empower our ability to handle any situation we find ourselves in. Understanding our mindset can increase our self-confidence, becoming the best version of ourselves yet.
During negative encounters, our subconscious has a tendency to judge situations when we are least aware. During these times our minds may develop the habit of creating thoughts that may seem harsh and self-sabotaging. There is value in connecting with the positive voice in our heads; a voice that is more loving and more nurturing. Cultivating a growth mindset could be the single most important thing you could do to help you achieve success.
Mindset Matters
Beliefs and conditioning
As a child, our minds create defense machinims to protect ourselves. We have the ultimate power to be free from limiting beliefs that are holding us back from creating, growing, and reaching our potential. Living a life on our terms involves identifying the beliefs that are restricting us and working with these beliefs to create a positive. Keeping a journal can give us the freedom of exploring the beliefs that we have, and the experiences that have perhaps created them. You can journal questions such as, “What experiences have shaped my beliefs?”
Habits
At times we practice habits that may be unhealthy for us, without being aware. At the same time, we can also reinforce positive habits, releasing feel good chemicals from the brain. This reinforces positive habits recording it as a memory that may be remembered as pleasurable. Therefore we are more likely to revisit experiences that are satisfying. The habits we do on a daily basis can really add to our success and our emotions. So the question is: are your habits serving you, or holding you back?
Consistency
The brain thrives on consistency and repetition when practicing a growth mindset. Training the mind with consistency enables us to build healthy patterns of thinking, that can benefit us in every day practice. Our thoughts create the energy that we need to care for ourselves. Awareness invites us to have more control, changing our behaviour as we change our thoughts and on a consistent basis.
Excuses aren’t real
Excuses allow our minds to approve of old and unhealthy habits. Excuses prevent us from growing, working through challenges, and being open to find solutions. When we make excuses we restrict ourselves from stepping outside the comfort zone. Practicing habits that are familiar can feel safer and less fearful. Listening to our excuses can help identify our beliefs when attempting to achieve a specific goal. Make a list of all the excuses you find yourself saying and write them down. Create a phrase to use to reinforce the positive habits – for example, “I choose growth.”
Mindfulness matters too
Slowing down allows us to be fully present in the moment, whilst paying attention to our emotions. In the moment we may create judgements, criticism or experience difficult emotions. We can choose how to respond to negative experiences by pausing, welcoming in the experience, and connecting with the energy. Shifting our focus to the present can give our minds space to process and digest information. With over four different types of mindfulness, mindfulness can really contribute towards our emotional well-being.
Our thoughts can get to us sometimes, damaging our self-esteem and self-worth. Difficult emotions connect us our to self-worth, reminding us that we are only human. Deep down inside, combining our hearts and our heads, we know change is worth the struggle. Within each and every one of us holds the capability of creating new habits and a mindset to be proud of.
Emily Dean practices as a mindset and mindfulness coach. Emily’s passion for growth comes from practicing spirituality and personal life experiences. Emily supports several mental health charities such as MIND and the Samaritans. Emily’s blog @_theladywrites aims to inspire others to journal and practice mindfulness. To follow Emily’s blog or for coaching you can follow Emily on Instagram or Facebook (MissEmily Dean and @_theladywrites_)
