Your Subconscious Mind Determines Your Comfort Zone — Here’s How to Take Charge of Both
Repetitive self-talk plays a big role in determining where we are in life, but it can also take us where we want to go.
Self-image plays a big role in our thoughts and actions, so taking control of your self-image can help you become the person you want to be. Motivational science tells us that through a consistent practice of positive self-talk, you can change the way you see yourself, move out of your comfort zone, and achieve your goals more easily.
You know those little thoughts you have streaming through your head every day?
“I’m bad at running.”
“My attention span is too short.”
“I’m not good with money.”
This kind of self-talk is a product of how we see ourselves. When our self-talk is negative, it prevents us from taking action — in these cases, running, becoming more mindful, or attempting more wealth. These are examples that we can observe and identify; they are examples of conscious thought.
We have a conscious mind and a subconscious mind. The conscious is the mind that thinks and makes decisions. The subconscious is the emotional mind. Our subconscious is so powerful, it forces us to take actions in alignment with beliefs so ingrained that we’re not even aware of them.
In this way, our subconscious determines the thoughts and actions that are comfortable for us, i.e. our comfort zones. This relationship explains why even when we set goals with the best intentions, we have so much trouble getting away from the reality we’ve always had. We subconsciously measure the deviation from the image we hold of ourselves; we unintentionally perpetuate our self-image. If our self-image doesn’t change, then our actions automatically lead us back to the same self-image we’ve always held.
Think of self-image as a thermostat. When you set a thermostat, it measures the deviation from the current temperature, and the heating system kicks into action accordingly. When a thermostat senses that it is getting too hot, it turns off until the room gets back to the temperature you set it.
Our minds and actions are self-regulating in a similar manner. Based on how we see ourselves, we bounce back into our comfort level. For example, with trying to lose weight, a person may go on a diet, but the self-image in his or her subconscious immediately tries to correct the course: “This isn’t really me.” That’s when cheating is likely, and willpower alone isn’t enough to make lasting changes.
Through Autosuggestion, Bend the Subconscious Toward Your Goals
Once you know about how self-talk determines your comfort zone, you can start to control it. You’ve probably already had plenty of experience in this area.
You know those “autopilot” moments when you drive yourself home without remembering any of the commute itself? When your mind is focused on something else, you can drive without really thinking about it. But it would have been tough to imagine this level of effortlessness during your first few times behind the wheel.
The same experience applies to learning a musical instrument. Let’s say you play the piano — when you first stretched your fingers over the keys, it felt strange, foreign, and totally unnatural. But by practicing, by repeating the same movements over and over, they become second nature. As a result, you can play increasingly difficult pieces and maybe even sing over the notes.
Driving, playing the piano, or for that matter, learning anything new — there’s something in common in all of these cases: repetition. Repetition is the primary force behind any action becoming second nature. Just as you can learn to drive or play an instrument through repetition, you can learn to a new kind of self-talk by consistently practicing. If you consistently repeat positive messages to yourself, that positivity will become your “new normal.”
This is how autosuggestion works. Autosuggestion is a technique for steering your behavior by consciously replacing negative self-talk with the positive. When you have a goal in mind — whether it’s professional, personal, social, or physical — change your inner monologue of self-talk to convey a message that aligns and supports what you’re trying to achieve. Eventually, you will come to see yourself differently. This will empower you to make decisions outside of your previous comfort zone, and in turn, you will be able to achieve more and more.
Goal Cards — An Easy Approach to an Autosuggestion Practice
So, in order to achieve the results we desire, we must alter our self-image through repetition (the autosuggestion) of our positive outcomes (goals).
What does that mean in laymen’s terms? Come up with a practice for consistently and repeatedly replacing negative self-talk with positive self-talk. Eventually, you will see yourself as a different person, and you will start taking action that befits the new-and-improved you.
Think of your goals. Imagine what it feels like once you meet them. Describe this situation to yourself as specifically as you can:
“I love running. It’s so nice to be able to stretch my legs outdoors on the beautiful trails and fill my lungs with so much fresh air. I feel strong, invigorated, and in touch with nature.”
“I have no problem with sitting down and focusing for a long time. I learn more and develop an exciting new understanding of the things that I love. I get so much done!”
“I am responsible with money, so I can afford the things that matter most. I don’t make spur-of-the-moment purchases and that means I can put my money toward my highest priorities like travel, experiences, and improving my quality of life.”
Once you zero in on your statement, consistently revisit it and imagine it in real-time. Mentally embody this new reality. Your subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between being it and acting it. Think and act like the person you want to be every day for a few weeks, and you will see a difference in yourself and in your life.
The subconscious mind takes the repetitive actions and thoughts and makes them automatic. These thoughts become habits so we can focus on other things — and goals are accomplished through habit.
That about sums up the process of creating a goal card. Goal cards help you visualize the person you want to be and refer back to this goal as often as possible. With enough repetition, you’ll eventually change your self-image and become that person.
I’m a big believer in the power of autosuggestion, self-image, and self-determination. That’s why I created the free Goal Control mobile app. When the goal card is on your phone, you can set reminders to reflect on this new reality as often as possible — and it’s always right there in your pocket.
In creating Goal Control, I wanted the perfect tool for my own goal-setting efforts. I also saw a way to turn notifications and screen-gazing into a fruitful, productive practice. If you’re anything like me, you may appreciate the app as an elegant, no-nonsense way to approach changing your self-image for the better.
What goals are you after? Fill out a goal card right now. Visualize the version of you that meets all of these goals are more. Revisit this alternate reality at least twice a day. If it seems silly, know that you have nothing to lose. So aim high! In a few weeks, consider your progress and your overall sense of aptitude. Chances are, you will have made strides.
Goal Control is available now on Google Play (free) and iTunes for iOS! Learn more at goalcontrol.io or follow us on Instagram.
