How To Change Your Mind

As January looms on the calendarial horizon, a strong urge grows in many of us. An urge for change. We see a new year as an opportunity for a fresh start. And so, we make resolutions, take part in burning bowl ceremonies, and pledge to be a better person. We start the new year bursting with determination and enthusiasm. But, alas, by early February most of us have given up and returned to our old behaviors. But why?

Because we didn’t change our habitual thoughts.

Synonyms for the word habit include pattern, routine, and norm. Every day we think many of the same thoughts, repeatedly. Our habitual thoughts run our lives, but we rarely contemplate why we think what we think.

Most of our repetitive thoughts formed when we were very young. For example, if someone said you couldn’t sing when you were 6 years old (and you believed it was true), your mind created a thought: I can’t sing.  And your mind repeated I can’t sing a gazillion times until it became true for you. Twenty years later, if someone invites you to karaoke night, you automatically say I can’t sing, without stopping to consider if that is actually true.

Truth is one of the keys to changing our thoughts, and therefore our habits. But before we can ask whether a thought is true, we must first know what we’re thinking — as in become aware of our thoughts.

You didn’t learn to read or write or solve calculus equations instantly, and you won’t adopt new ways of thinking overnight. Like making anything else into a habit, learning new thought patterns takes practice. But you can do it!

1. Listen to your mind and make notes about what it’s saying. If it says, You’re an idiot! write that down.

2. Then, write what you’d prefer to believe about yourself: I’m an intelligent, capable person!

3. Repeat that new thought until you believe it. Say it aloud, or in your mind, many times each day, especially first thing in the morning and right before you go to sleep. Any time you notice your mind delivering the old thought, shut it down and replace it with your new belief-in-progress.

Your mind learned what you think about yourself by repeatedly playing the same thoughts, like a recording. So you can change your mind by listening to a new recording. In the same way your body gets stronger by doing pushups and leg presses, your thoughts get stronger with repetition. So, speak and think your new truth often.

Tricks and Tips

Start with a statement that’s believable enough that your mind won’t scream Bullshit! every time you say it. If you can’t believe I’m a millionaire, start with I’m so grateful for all the money I receive every day. That’s totally believable because if you have a job or your saving account earns interest, you’re receiving money every day. Never mind how much you owe on your credit card or student loan. Just focus on the truth that you are receiving money every day.

Linger over the feelings your new thoughts generate. Appreciate how it will feel when you’re respected for your intelligence. Revel in thoughts about the freedom of prosperity. Bask in these feelings for as long as possible.

To change your mind even faster

Use an app on your phone or computer to record yourself saying your new thought(s). Listen as many times each day as possible — at least twice, morning and evening. Listen while you drive, or wash dishes, or take a walk. If you’re around people, use headphones or earbuds while you follow through on your resolve to change your mind.