The Subconscious Hijack
We all have those looping; recurring negative stories that play in the back of our minds. They act like malware in our brains, slowing us down and telling us who we used to be. But here is the secret to reclaiming your focus: your subconscious mind takes orders from your conscious voice. You can actively hijack the script.
Years ago, when I first started practicing this, one of my negative loops would hit every single time I looked in the mirror. So, I forced a rule on myself. Every time that thought crept up, I looked at my reflection and said out loud: “Wow, I am beautiful today.”
Was it awkward at first? Absolutely. But over time, it worked. Today, my flips are much more concrete empowering truths. Now, I look in the mirror and think, “Look at how I mastered that eyeliner today,” or “These pants make my ass look great,” or “Yesterday is over, today is a fresh slate and it’s going to be amazing.” When you give your brain an empowering truth, you give your subconscious a positive checklist to look for throughout the day. You notice your smile is spot on. You step into your day with a boost because you decided the vibe.
The DIY Tool: Two Ways to Flip the Script
To practice this at home, pick one (or both!) of these practical methods today:
Method 1: The Physical Thought Tent (For the Creatives)
Cut out a few small squares of sturdy paper or cardstock and fold them in half like little tent cards.
- On the inside or back of the tent, write down that recurring negative narrative you are trying to break
- On the outside/front, write your bold, empowering, concrete flip. Place these tents on your desk, your dresser, or your bookshelt. Whenever that old thought tries to creep up in your mind, physically go to that paper tent, flip it over so the positive side faces you, and read it out loud like an absolute fact.
Method 2: The Digital Vibe Check
If you aren’t the crafty type, use technology as your advocate. Go into your phone or your smart speaker app and set automated reminders to go off at the exact times you know you usually hit a slump or negative loop:
- The Monday Momentum: Set an alarm for 10:00AM on Monday with a pop-up text that triggers your power phrase.
- Morning Boost: Set a reminder or alarm at that moment of work days where you are second guessing yourself that reminds you that your ass looks great in those pants and you got this! OR Set one for after the kids have left for school that reminds you that you are in fact a good mom/dad, they are alive, and they will in fact remember that you love them.
- The Sunday Sign-Off: Set a reminder for Sunday night to help you officially close out the week behind you and step cleanly into the next one.
- The Evening Grounding: A reminder at the end of the day to celebrate one thing you did right.
Stop letting your old loops run the show! Pick your method, draft your flips, and take your remote control back!
Image for graphic by: Abhishek Kumar on Unsplash