How Our Minds Turn Thoughts Into Emotions and Results.
Ever caught yourself thinking, “What on earth was I thinking?” Well, changing your mindset is the key to understanding that. Our minds are pretty amazing at what they do, but they’re also a bit like a computer with too many tabs open. Out of the 2 million bits of data we receive every second, our conscious mind can only process about 134 bits per second. So, what happens to the rest? Our brain sorts it out through filters that delete, distort, and generalize the information so we can make sense of it.
These filters are based on our values, beliefs, memories, and past experiences. For example, when you see a round bobble on a door, your brain instantly recalls, “That’s a door handle. You twist and push or pull.” Simple, right? But this process affects more than just opening doors.
From Situation to Reaction: The Thought Process
Let’s look at the process at a higher level as to how we move from a situation to a resultant reaction.
Let’s break it down. First, there’s a situation—something happens. Your brain processes this through its filters, accessing stored memories, beliefs, and past experiences. Based on this, it decides what’s going on and triggers emotions by releasing chemicals that affect your physical state. Finally, you react through your behavior, leading to a certain result.
Here’s the kicker: This all happens subconsciously, without you even realizing it.
Change Your Mindset: The Silent Driver Behind Your Behavior.
Now, here’s the part that will surprise you. We have between 12,000 to 50,000 thoughts per day, and a whopping 70% to 80% of them are negative. Some people think emotions drive their thoughts, but it’s actually the other way around. Your thoughts create your emotions and physical state, which then lead to your behavior.
How to Change Your Mindset and Your Results.
Knowing the above now, it makes sense that if you can catch your thoughts, you can change them—and by doing so, change your emotions, states, and behaviors. This means you can gradually quiet those negative thoughts and stop reacting on autopilot.
So, how do you do it?
- Identify the Trigger: Start by recognizing the situation or trigger that leads to an unwanted behavior.
- Analyze Your Thoughts: What’s the automatic thought that pops up? How would you prefer to react instead?
- Consciously Change the Thought: Replace the limiting thought with a preferred one. For example, when a situation stresses you out, take a deep breath and tell yourself, “I can handle this.”
- Practice: Keep practicing until this process becomes second nature. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so be patient with yourself.
Bonus Tip: Your emotions and physical state are closely linked. Try changing your physical state to achieve the emotion you want. Don’t believe me? Let’s do a quick experiment.
Slump your shoulders, hang your head, and look down at the ground. How do you feel? Now, pull your shoulders back, lift your head up, and look straight ahead with a big smile. Feeling better already, right?
Amazing right!
I hope you found this article helpful! For more tips on how to change your mindset and improve your life, check out the rest of our blog HERE.
Ask Us About Stress Management Life Coaching!
“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you” – James Allen
