Have you ever wondered why you sometimes behave in ways that you don’t fully understand? Or why certain habits seem to control your actions? Well, it turns out that your mind is a fascinating thing, and understanding how it influences your behavior can help you make positive changes in your life. So, let’s dive into the intriguing world of your subconscious mind!
The Basics of Subconscious Thinking
First things first, your subconscious mind is like a storage unit for all your memories. It’s where your emotions and experiences are deeply connected to specific events and people. On top of that, it’s responsible for governing your habits and routines. Remember when you first learned how to ride a bike? You had to consciously think about every little movement. But once you mastered it, your subconscious mind took over, and riding a bike became second nature. Some people refer to this part of your brain as your autopilot because it controls many things without you needing to consciously think about them.
A small neuro-factoid: The subconscious mind can process 20 000 000 bits of info per second. The conscious mind can only process 40 bits of info/sec. So the subconscious mind can process 500 000 time more what the conscious mind is able to.
How Your Subconscious Influences Behavior
Now, here’s an interesting fact: your subconscious mind loves the status quo. It craves stability and feels most comfortable when things stay the same. If you ever find yourself feeling uncomfortable in a new situation, it’s because your subconscious is telling you that something is different or that you’re experiencing unfamiliar emotions. Your brain creates comfort zones, and it’s happiest when you stay within those boundaries.
But here’s the catch: your conscious thoughts shape your subconscious thinking. The more you consciously think about something, the more it becomes ingrained in your unconscious mind. Let’s say you struggle with your weight and constantly berate yourself with negative thoughts about your appearance or eating habits. Your subconscious internalizes these negative messages, incorporating them into your comfort zone. Consequently, you start feeling more “comfortable” when you engage in negative self-talk, leading to an unhealthy self-concept.
On the flip side, positive self-talk and optimistic thoughts can have a similar impact on your subconscious. When you regularly tell yourself positive things and maintain an optimistic mindset, your subconscious uses these thoughts to shape your habits and routines. The more positive affirmations you give yourself, the more at ease you feel when experiencing positive emotions or receiving compliments from others.
It’s important to note that your subconscious holds all your memories, both positive and negative, including the influences from your earliest years. These memories still impact your behavior today, even if you can’t recall them or understand their significance. They have a profound control over your actions, especially if they played a significant role during your formative years. Your subconscious not only influences your actions but also shapes your self-image. It contains your beliefs about yourself, your perception of your abilities, and what you believe you deserve. In essence, your self-esteem, sense of personal power, and the potential to change your life for the better all reside within your subconscious mind.
Can You Change Your Subconscious?
Now, here’s the exciting part: you can change your subconscious! The good news is that it’s not an impossible task. It requires conscious effort, practice, and repetition to gradually alter your subconscious definition of “normal” and “comfortable.” But it can be done. When you’re ready to make positive changes and improve your life, reshaping your subconscious is an excellent place to start.
So, remember, your subconscious mind is a powerful force that influences your behavior and emotions. By understanding how it works and taking intentional steps to influence it positively, you can transform your life for the better. So, why not start today? Your mind is an incredible tool, and when harnessed correctly, it can lead you to incredible personal growth and fulfillment.