Empower Your Mind: Taking Control of Your Thoughts
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Thought Control
Your thoughts may not be entirely yours.
You might think you have control over your thoughts, but that's often not the case. A significant portion of what runs through your mind happens beneath the surface. This isn't about alien abductions; it's about the lack of conscious direction in your mental processes. When you allow your mind to drift without steering it, external influences take charge, constantly shaping your thoughts.
Research from CogBlog reveals that individuals spend nearly 47% of their day operating on "autopilot." This means that almost half of our day is spent engaging in automatic behaviors while our minds wander aimlessly, much like a herd of goats. Consequently, our subconscious thoughts operate unchecked, akin to a ship adrift at sea.
Understanding Environmental Influence on Thought
A pivotal study conducted by Yale psychologists Williams and Bargh, published in Science, illustrates how our environment can shape our perceptions. For instance, participants holding a warm cup of coffee tended to describe others as generous, while those holding a cold mug perceived them as less warm-hearted.
In another experiment, participants believed they were evaluating a product while holding either hot or cold compresses. Those with the warm compresses were more likely to request a gift certificate for a friend, while those with the cold compresses often chose to keep the gift for themselves. This demonstrates that our physical surroundings can significantly influence both our thoughts and behaviors.
The Connection Between Environment and Perception
Research by Bargh shows that temperature can affect how we assess character, supported by brain imaging studies indicating different brain activity based on whether participants held hot or cold items. The insights from the University of Wisconsin Madison highlight that our environment actively shapes our development rather than merely serving as a backdrop.
The Impact of Distance on Thought Processes
Bargh's earlier studies also explored how feelings of proximity and distance impact our thinking. Participants who plotted points close together on a graph reported a stronger emotional response to embarrassing films than those who plotted points further apart. This group also exhibited a diminished emotional connection to their hometown and family, as well as a tendency to underestimate calorie counts in junk food.
Priming: The Subconscious Influence
Priming is a well-documented psychological phenomenon where exposure to one stimulus influences subsequent thoughts or actions. For example, if you frequently associate coffee with a tasty cinnamon bun, the sight of coffee might trigger that craving. Similarly, engaging in violent video games can prime players for aggressive thoughts they might not have had otherwise.
A 2015 study by Bratman, Hamilton, and Hahn revealed that participants who walked in natural settings experienced less negative thinking than those in urban environments, often without realizing the influence of their surroundings. This finding has led therapists to adopt nature-based therapies for conditions like anxiety and depression.
How to Take Charge of Your Thought Environment
To counteract the unconscious influences of your surroundings, it's vital to actively prime your brain. Tony Robbins advocates for intentional thought setting at the start of your day. Here’s a simple ten-minute routine:
- Begin by reflecting on three things you are grateful for. Fully immerse yourself in these feelings, whether it's the sensation of the wind or the laughter of a loved one. This practice can transform your biochemistry and alleviate fear and anxiety.
- Identify three to five goals you wish to achieve today. Visualize your success and connect with the feelings that come with accomplishing these tasks. This mental preparation can help guide your actions throughout the day.
- Shift your focus outward by reaching out to someone you appreciate. Acknowledging their kindness or achievements can strengthen your connections and enhance your mood.
By adopting these practices, you'll cultivate a mindset that highlights the positive aspects of your life and surroundings. You'll also become more aware of how your environment influences your thoughts. For instance, if you notice how watching distressing news impacts your mood, you might opt for uplifting content instead.
Seize control of your mind, prime yourself consciously, and embrace the day ahead!
The second video titled "How to stop your thoughts from controlling your life | Albert Hobohm | TEDxKTH" delves into strategies for managing your thoughts and regaining control over your mental landscape, offering insights that resonate with the concepts discussed here.
Thank you for engaging with this material! Your support enables me to continue sharing valuable insights. If you’d like to stay updated, consider subscribing to my email notifications or joining Medium for full access to enriching stories. Best, Annie