Our beliefs create our reality. Many of us have been brought up in our lives with false beliefs that challenge our self-confidence and create limitations in our lives. For example, our parents or teachers may have said to us as children that we would not amount to anything or that we were inadequate. These negative beliefs may be locked into our subconscious mind and when we are challenged or required to perform in our personal and work lives we deliver average or sub-standard results. Children develop a perception of their own worth by the age of seven, therefore, if they are ridiculed by parents and teachers and told they are stupid, then they will believe and act stupid. This is an example of the self-fulfilling prophesy. If we convince ourselves that we are not good at something then we will believe that we are inadequate. The subconscious mind will believe anything that we condition it to believe, whether it is true or false.
The subconscious mind can be re-programmed by changing the operating system through repetition and positive re-inforcement to believe in new information that creates a new reality. Positive thoughts and affirmations help us to break through limitations by replacing old thought habits with new habits of thought. By repeating positive affirmations and picturing yourself successfully achieving tasks, this will displace the negative thoughts in our minds.
Three simple exercises that can be practiced daily to re-program the subconscious mind, include:
1. Use positive affirmations to change your state of being and your mindset. For example, every morning and every night you can repeat to yourself positive affirmations similar to:
- “I am wealthy and abundant”,
- “I am confident and disciplined”,
- “I can achieve any task that is put before me”,
- “I can do it!”,
- “I am healthy, wealthy and wise”,
- “I am a creative person”
- “I am successful”
- Others (Create your own positive affirmations)
2. Use the power of visualisation to picture yourself achieving the outcomes that you desire. Every evening before you go to sleep, breathe deeply, relax your body, remove all thoughts from your mind to achieve a blank mind, and then concentrate hard on visualising your desired state. For example, picture yourself successfully achieving a significant outcome at work and getting promoted, or, picture yourself achieving personal success (e.g. living in your dream home, winning the sporting event, leading a successful business etc.)
3. Daily gratitude – Be thankful for what you have received and what you have achieved in life. The power of repeatedly saying, “Thank you”, can have a positive effect on your subconscious mind, and ultimately your life.
Make it a great life!
Dr John Kapeleris