The Psychology of Mindset

The media these days has sure created a whole lot of hype about "mindset?" So I'm officially giving my two cents of what mindset development is, and how you can actually change it. You can because there really is a psychology to mindset. Wouldn't you like to know what it is? Just do a search in your favorite Web browser for the word "Mindset." You'll get thousands of searches, but you'll also be hard-pressed to find one source online that understands how mindset works. Some might, sure. But with so many gurus and experts claiming to be able to help you evolve just by changing one (not so) teeny thing, wouldn't it be useful to know the truth? The truth about the psychology BEHIND the curtain of mindset? I think so too! So here it is. Mindset is really just about mind-shift. It's about the way you see the world. Think of mindset as the pair of lenses you choose to look through at the world.

You can wear rosy or gray. The truth is, your consistent thoughts only add to the positive, or negative, outlook of your life. This is what they mean by "self-fulfilling prophecy." Those media gurus and I agree that you must change your mindset to have the happiness you want. But it's simply NOT ENOUGH for me to tell you to simply "change your mindset" and wait for the magic happen. That's like me saying, "I'll drop a little fairy dust on your head, and your mind will instantly be cleared of all the goo." Sorry, mindset change doesn't work that way. No wonder so many frustrated humans are scurrying about in our society, looking for the NEXT guru that can answer, "How can you make me happy?" Wait no more. I can answer that question. The truth about mindset change is that it's so easy, you might wonder if fairy dust is involved. And you might wonder why you spent thousands of hours paying someone to help you be happy when I'm giving it to you for free. (You're welcome!) I'm going to describe something I call the "Mind Tree." Draw this out on a piece of paper as I explain it so it makes more sense. The trunk of your tree is a simple formula: thoughts create emotions; emotions create actions. Then two main branches spawn from thoughts: conscious and subconscious.

Those are the two types of thoughts--the first you can easily tap into and are aware of and the second you can't easily access. These subconscious thoughts lurk in the background of your mind. Your habitual thoughts are your mindset. These are the thoughts you have to change if you want to change your mindset. But here's the kicker: Your conscious thoughts make up only about 15% of your total thoughts, maybe less! Your subconscious thoughts make up the other 85%. Draw this on your mindset tree. Let it sink in. That means in order to change your mindset, you have to tap into those thoughts you don't even know you're thinking. Bad news, right? Well, not so fast. You can change your subconsious programming. There are so many ways, and that's where a GOOD guru comes in! From my pre-frontal cortex to yours (that's where your conscious thoughts are stored), here are just a few to get you started: First, identify what subconscious thoughts are ones that are no longer serving you well. They may sound something like this: "I am never good enough. Money doesn't grow on trees and doesn't come easy. Hard work is the only work that pays, etc." You can see how just one subconscious thought can create a whole heap of trouble, can't you? Second, choose to change.

Oh, yes, you know I had to say it. CHOOSE to change! The reality is, most people figure out what subconscious thoughts are actually holding them back but then won't do anything about it. Making the decision to take action is a very big step. And it's vital. (The reasons for not taking action are a whole therapy session in itself, so we'll save that for another time!) Three, implement tools. Create new habitual thoughts, affirm what is truth, post sticky notes all over your house and in your car, use EFT, journal ad nauseum, use a "change buddy" for motivation, have lucid dreams, talk about your change efforts until you are sick, and keep moving in THAT direction, not the OTHER direction. You have so many ways to change your negative subconscious programming. One popular phrase is "Just Do It!" But what happens when "Just Do It" doesn't work? No, it's not a matter of willpower or strength. And it's not an issue of character. It's about sticktoitiveness, practice, and consistent follow-through. Yes, there is a psychology to mindset. Can you call it a day just by knowing that? No, but once you face those negative subconscious thoughts, you can shout from the rooftop "JOB DONE!"

Jennifer Ryan, M.Ed., LPC
Licensed Psychotherapist
http://www.iChooseChange.com

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