As I’ve written about previously, reality is more flexible than it seems. It's actually quite malleable, influenced by our mindset, focus, and energetic vibration. In other words, our inner world creates our outer world. With a bit of mental wizardry, anyone can shape their mindset, thoughts, and feelings to lead a more effective, joyful, and fulfilling life. The key is to observe and train our minds while curating our associations, content, and environments to align with the experiences and outcomes we desire.
Mindset
Our mindset, consisting of attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions, shapes our perception and the ways we interact with the world. Influenced by our upbringing, culture, experiences, and education, these mental patterns can lead to completely different life outcomes, even for those raised in similar circumstances.
Thoughts. Our thoughts directly affect the quality of our lives. This is because states become traits and our recurring thoughts and emotions become our personality, which impacts our decisions and behaviors. Successful people focus on elevated ideas, questions, and conversations, avoiding negativity and pettiness.
Attitude. Our attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling about something, which is often reflected in our behavior and reactions to various experiences. Viktor Frankl, the renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, profoundly observed that the one thing that cannot be taken from us is our attitude toward life and its events. His insight underscores the notion that it is not the events themselves that shape our lives, but the meanings we derive from them and the perspectives we adopt. This concept aligns with the widely accepted idea that life is about 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it and interpret those events. Our attitudes serve as the lens through which we view and engage with the world. They influence our emotional responses, decision-making processes, and ultimately, our overall life satisfaction. By choosing to adopt a positive and resilient attitude, we empower ourselves to navigate challenges more effectively, find meaning in adversity, and maintain a sense of agency in even the most difficult circumstances.
Assumptions. Success is frequently associated with the underlying assumptions that accompany an optimistic, growth-oriented mindset. Optimistic individuals focus on solutions and channel their energy towards achieving goals. Rather than dismissing an idea by saying it wouldn’t work, they ask, "What steps are necessary to make this happen?" They see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, maintaining curiosity and treating life as a classroom. This aligns with Carol Dweck’s growth mindset, where abilities are developed through effort and dedication, enabling resilience, adaptation, and thriving in any circumstance.
Focus
The reticular activating system (RAS) is a network of neurons in the brainstem essential for focus, attention, and awareness. It filters the vast amount of sensory information we receive daily, allowing only the most important data to reach our conscious awareness. This is why, after buying a red car, you suddenly notice red cars everywhere. It’s not that there are more red cars on the road; rather, your RAS has prioritized this detail, making you more aware of it.
Beliefs. Beliefs shape what the RAS considers important by setting priorities and expectations. For instance, if someone believes they are capable and deserving of success, their RAS will be attuned to opportunities that align with this belief. Conversely, negative beliefs can cause the RAS to focus on obstacles and failures. Therefore, cultivating positive, empowering beliefs can enhance one's ability to notice and act upon beneficial opportunities, thereby shaping one's experiences and outcomes.
Language. The language you use is immensely powerful and shapes your reality in profound ways. As Marissa Peer has discussed, every word you speak or think imprints on your subconscious mind, influencing your beliefs, actions, and ultimately, your life outcomes. Positive, affirming language can reinforce a strong, resilient mindset, and reframe difficult circumstances, helping you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Conversely, negative, self-deprecating language can undermine your confidence and create self-imposed limitations. By paying close attention to the words you choose, you can reframe your internal dialogue, fostering self-belief and cultivating a mindset geared toward success and happiness.
Frames. Gratitude and abundance are powerful lenses that transform your reality from lack to infinite possibility. Practicing gratitude shifts your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have, regularly acknowledging and appreciating life's positives. This strengthens neural pathways associated with happiness and contentment, reduces stress and negativity, and fosters fulfillment and optimism. It cultivates a proactive mindset, enabling you to see opportunities instead of obstacles, thereby attracting positivity and training your brain to continually notice more to be grateful for. An abundance mindset shifts from viewing the world with a zero-sum mentality to one that emphasizes opportunities and possibilities, believing there is plenty for everyone. It fosters creativity, resilience, and a proactive attitude, encouraging risk-taking and confidently pursuing goals. In contrast, a scarcity mindset focuses on limitations and fear, hindering potential and leading to missed opportunities. By adopting an abundance mindset, we focus on what we can create rather than what we lack, attracting positive outcomes and enhancing overall well-being.
Energy
Vibes. Quantum physics suggests that everything in the Universe, including thoughts and emotions, emits a unique vibrational frequency. Higher vibrational frequencies correlate with joy, harmony, and well-being, while lower frequencies correspond to negativity and discord. Emotions span a vibrational spectrum, with low-frequency emotions like fear, grief, and shame feeling heavy and draining. In contrast, mid-range emotions such as willingness, acceptance, and contentment, and high-frequency emotions like love, joy, peace, and gratitude, promote healing and inspiration. By elevating our vibrational frequency through practices like gratitude, compassion, and creative expression, we can enhance our well-being and attract positive experiences.
Associations. To protect and elevate your energy, it is essential to continuously monitor who and what gets proximity to you. Your network is your net worth and Jim Rohn's adage, "You become the average of the five people you spend the most time with," highlights the "contagion effect," where behaviors, attitudes, and emotions spread among people. This phenomenon affects various aspects of life, including wealth and BMI. Our mirror neurons mimic those we interact with, making it crucial to surround ourselves with individuals we aspire to emulate. Seek wisdom from those at a higher state through personal interactions, podcasts, or books, and continually reassess your relationships to align with those who share your future goals rather than your past.
As we've explored, our mindset, focus, and energetic vibration profoundly shape the reality we experience. By cultivating a positive mindset, embracing growth-oriented assumptions, and refining our focus through empowering beliefs and language, we enhance our ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Practicing gratitude, fostering an abundance mindset, and surrounding ourselves with supportive associations elevate our energy and attract positive outcomes.
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