Our mind is a powerhouse that drives our decision-making process, choices, responses, ability to nurture relationships, and performance at work.  Simply put, the mind is the command center where the script of our life unfolds. Everything that we encounter in life is largely an outcome of what we’ve allowed within the confines of our mind.

“The outcomes of your life are a consequence of the input to your mind.”

For example, if you constantly think that you are a failure or that you will never succeed in anything that you do, that is what will happen – you will fail. On the other hand, if you dwell on thoughts of achieving your goals, you will surely succeed.

A change in mindset requires a change in attitude. Read more about this idea in our previous blog.

Leverage the power of your subconscious mind.

Our conscious mind thinks, analyses, and makes decisions, whereas our subconscious mind governs our habits, patterns, routines, automatic body functions, cellular memory, emotions, and creativity. Our conscious mind is often referred to as the gatekeeper of our subconscious mind because our subconscious mind only works with what is fed to it by our senses and our conscious mind. If you constantly dwell on negative thoughts, your subconscious mind will pick up on that, and affect your habits and emotions accordingly.

When you are confronted by adversity, the way you process your situation is extremely crucial.  Your approach to the situation will influence your decisions. Here is where you can leverage the power of your subconscious mind through two main techniques.

1. The ability to direct your focus.
2. The power of imagination

Let’s take a closer look at these two points.

1. The ability to direct your focus.

Like we’ve spoken about earlier, your subconscious mind obeys orders from your conscious mind. So if your mind is filled with negative thoughts about a situation, your subconscious mind will accordingly deliver emotions of negativity, fear, and anxiety. These negative emotions then go on to become your reality.

This is why you need to take charge and intentionally focus on looking at the positive in every situation. You may say it’s easier said than done. It’s true and it may be easier for some than for others. But, the first step is to identify your approach to a situation. Do you sway towards being pessimistic or optimistic about a negative situation? Once you’ve identified your pattern you can start making a conscious effort to change it. The actual skill of directing your focus is simple. It comes down to you making a determined choice.

2. The power of imagination

Our conscious mind has the ability to imagine something that is totally new and unique, but the subconscious mind stores our past experiences. Here is where it gets really interesting. Our subconscious mind can’t distinguish between what is real and what is part of our conscious mind’s imagination. For example, if you daydream all day about meeting your idol, your subconscious will stir up feelings of joy and excitement even though the thought is just part of your imagination.

You can use this to your advantage. Imagine all the good that can come out of your adverse situation. Your subconscious mind will react accordingly, and you will actually start behaving like good can come out of your adversity.