5 Ways You Can Alter a Mindset

“A mindset, by dictionary definition, is a way of thinking; an attitude or opinion, especially a habitual one.”

If you didn’t see the introductory part of this post, do check it out; the post titled “Mindsets”.

Here are a few tips on how to alter/change a mindset. Since my focus is on changing a mindset from negative to positive, that is exactly what I’d be outlining; (however, it works both ways)

1. Identify and Acknowledge

This is the very first step to change just about anything. You have to first of all identify what those thought patterns are; and then you acknowledge that they do exist and are a threat to your mental well-being.

You see, the battle is scarcely about you and an external enemy; but rather between you and your mind, and if you can only admit such exists, you are on the liberating path.

The mind is tricky. I got to realize just how much about 4/5 years ago when I studied extensively on the mind and how it works.

Before that time, I had a certain mindset I didn’t even know existed; yet, it was sitting comfortably on the throne of my mind and controlling affairs.

A friend of mine had to point it out to me. In order to tackle that particular mindset, I had to first understand what the mind was and how ‘powerful ‘ (which is relative by the way), it really was— or wasn’t.

So yes, I acknowledged I had a mind, capable of hitting the ‘self-destruct’ button at will. But more so, I identified that mindset.

2. Make a list

The next bizarre thing you’d want to do is make a list. Yes, an actual list of every single thing you believe about that particular mindset.

If for instance, the belief you have about romantic relationships is that it always ends in tears, the next thing you’d want to do is make a list.

Stay quiet and meditate; think about what you always think about as regards relationships.

“1. I believe men will always cheat.”

“2. I believe women are supposed to demand every single thing from their partners.”

(These are just random examples, but I believe you get the point).

3. Understand

All you’d basically be doing here is understanding WHY you believe those things and HOW you got to that point of believing them.

“Why do I believe every single man will actually cheat?”…

What you are merely doing hereiis intentionally finding answers. Most times, mindsets are formed when you desperately want answers to things which seem beyond your comprehension.

Once you cannot provide such answers, your mind automatically comes up with it’s own answers, which are most times false, and then forces you to believe those as your new reality.

When you begin that process of answer-seeking, all you are simply doing is altering those answers your mind had previously come with it, and replacing them with new truths.

Most often than not, the concept of truth is relative. It is only true to what the mind believes to be true, or not.

Back to my illustration on what a person believes to be true; such a one believes and holds as true the fact that all men cheat. But if you feed your mind with new truths, your mind holds that as what is NOW true.

That is why you hear people making comments like “I can’t believe I ever believed such. Now I know better….”

The mind is ever changing. It is never static.

4. Feed

In one of the previous posts, I gave a recommendation on how to feed your mind. Here’s a recap;

“…Over the weekend, I observed how two animals eat— pigeons and dogs, well, a puppy. It was quite amazing, really.

When I was to feed the little puppy, it was so interesting to watch. The puppy was so hungry it barely waited for me to empty out the food into its plate.

It ANXIOUSLY followed me from one point of the house to another, and all the time, had its eyes on the prize, lol...

[and for the pigeon principle, eat] little at a time, yet many times a day…

Don’t overwhelm yourself with so much at a time; eat in bits but eat often…

And while you get access to such information, devour it hungrily….” (You can read about how to feed your mind from the post “4 practical Steps to Living a Balanced Life”).

5. Be reminded that…

Everything takes time. Don’t begin the process and then give it up because you are not immediately seeing results or changes.

The time I began the process to alter that particular mindset I had, it took me three months and a little over. Did I feel like nothing was happening? Yes! Did I get frustrated? Yes! Did I ever feel on the verge of giving up? HELL YES! But did I eventually give up? No, I didn’t!

You see, it is a process, just like many other things out there. And if you are conversant with the concept of process, you should be reminded that it takes time.

Once you set your mind to challenge a mindset— which is giving your life a negative outcome— DO NOT GIVE UP! Stay true to the process.

******

Has this been worth you time and valuable? Like, share, and of course, leave a COMMENT!

Do you have other tips, do share them with us as well.

******

Sending love and light your way.

Cheers to steady growth,

Zoey.