Flourishing In These Unprecedented Times
Can we truly flourish during these unprecedented times? Is it possible to train our brain to think more positive? How can we replace negative self-images with more positive ones? You might be surprised to find out just how many self-images one may have! Author of “Making Your Mind Magnificent”, special guest speaker Stephen Campbell will be sharing some amazing discoveries about the brain and our self-images! Now is a great time to think about the brain and our mindset as well as what we are thinking and saying in our head. What are some of the most exciting discoveries in cognitive psychology that have been made in the last couple of decades that we can apply right now to help us get through these times?
Steve shares the number one most exciting discovery is that our brain believes what we tell it without question or argument! He recommends checking out the “Phantoms In The Brain” book. He warns about telling yourself you are dumb because your brain will believe it and think that you are dumb and can actually rewire itself. Interestingly enough, what you say to yourself over time can become who you are and how you think, or your mindset. Your brain can become your best friend, so try to tell it more positive thoughts!
Number two, we have more than one self-image. Steve shares that we have a self-image for everything we do, every ability, habit, and aptitude. Even though there has been no confirmed study, he believes one person can have thousands of self-images! One interesting discovery is that they are learned, we are not born with them. Self-images are learned by self-talk, not from how we were raised or even events from our lives. Self-images are formed by how we talk about ourselves, what we say to ourselves. That is an exciting discovery since you can replace what you are saying!
Campbell talks about three interesting facts about self-images. #1- You cannot get rid of them. Self-images are wired in the brain. #2- Self-images are extremely hard to change. #3 Since we cannot get rid or change them, we can replace them. You can reframe self-images by telling your brain something different about yourself. Our feelings come from our beliefs. That means our feelings are not coming from COVID-19 or distancing or isolation, instead they come from what we say about COVID-19, distancing, and isolation. We can replace and change what we are saying about COVID-19. Since there is a connection between the mind and the brain, Julie shares that if you focus on the positive, your brain and thought process will also try to find the positive!
How can we apply these interesting facts to ourselves? Steve mentions that when we do well and get complimented, some tend to not take the compliment because we do not want to come off as egotistical. But when we do that, our brain believes that we did not do well, and the compliments can fall to the floor. Most of us pass over successes too quickly to ever become a part of our self-image. Steve recommends accepting compliments with a smile, thanking the person, and wallowing in your success. The part of the brain that records what you are saying to yourself also records what others are saying to you. If you mess up, try to recall that even though you may have done something dumb that does not mean you are dumb. Just because you may have failed does not mean you are a failure. Try to remember that we are always growing and learning and changing. We will continue to make mistakes but never give up! We can train our brain to have more positive thoughts and favorable self-images, in turn helping us to flourish during difficult times!
I also have an event coming up very soon this month that can not only help you flourish in these times, but really your whole life! I would love if you could attend either in person or virtually. It is my Mind-Blowing Life-Transforming Event happening in SoCal on February 24 and 25th. This 2-day intensive event will provide you with the tools, strategies, and skills you need to communicate and live with confidence and clarity. Click here for all the details for this event.
Click here to listen to this full podcast