We are probably all aware that we have a conscious as well as a subconscious part of our mind. The conscious mind is perhaps the part we are most familiar with – we use it to take action, move muscles, or speak and almost everything else we do.
The subconscious mind however is also always working in the background. Sometimes this can be helpful but often it isn’t. It is from our subconscious mind that we might experience irrational fears, or perhaps hold limiting beliefs that operate in ways which actually stop us achieving the things we want.
Unless we are careful our subconscious mind can be a saboteur of our wishes and dreams. But we can learn to use it to good effect once we recognize that it can exercise a powerful influence on our lives.
1. Become Aware Of Your Subconscious Beliefs
Working as a coach I work with people who complain that success evades them. With a little work it can quickly become apparent that actually they often sabotage their own efforts at success because of the subconscious beliefs they have.
Things like ‘I don’t deserve to be successful’ or ‘I’ll never be good at anything’ – these can develop as we grow up, perhaps because of things people have said either to us or even when we have been around.
Our subconscious will work hard to achieve what we want to achieve but it doesn’t work with negatives. If I said do NOT think of purple bananas – what pops into your mind? If our subconscious belief is that something won’t or can’t happen then you can be sure it won’t.
So how do you become aware of what you actually believe – well one good way is to start to pay attention to your internal chatter.
When you are not consciously thinking of things, perhaps as you walk or do something that doesn’t require your full attention what are the thoughts that fill your mind? Or when you start to think about things that you do want to achieve what objections do you find springing up in your own mind? The chances are they will come from your own subconscious beliefs.
2. Tune Into Your Intuition
Western societies have placed great emphasis on science, for very good reason. But over recent years there has been a growing understanding that sometimes it is good to simply go with our gut.
Our subconscious mind is very good at steering us in the right direction if we learn to listen to it. That doesn’t mean we should follow every whim we have but often as we open up to the power of our subconscious we will find ourselves having creative ideas or intuitions and while they can never replace rational thought and research, it is worth simply listening to our subconscious a bit as well.
The times when our subconscious is often easiest to listen to is when we just wake or as we drift off to sleep – possibly even in our dreams so don’t dismiss the ideas you have then.
3. Set An Intention
The subconscious mind will help you achieve every goal you set. It will even help you solve the problems and challenges you meet along the way in pursuit of your goal. So be clear about what you want to achieve – set that intention, be specific and then let your subconscious mind work out the best way to achieve it.
Your job is first to listen with an attitude of calm expectation. Your effort is important too and there will be a time for action but your subconscious mind will be working hard in the background to make your desires into reality.
4. Don’t Forget The Power Of Conscious Thought
Conscious thoughts are powerful as well and having set an intention then hold that in your conscious thoughts. Don’t think about the problems thing about the possibilities and keep reminding yourself what it is you want to achieve.
Let yourself imagine the emotions that would bring – what would it feel like to get that job or meet the partner of your dreams. Feel the emotion that would bring and you can rest assured that your subconscious mind will be working hard to find ways of bringing your dreams to fruition.
Some people use specific techniques, like meditation or visualization to further harness the power of their subconscious mind but starting with the steps outlined above is a good way to begin.
