July 2, 2024

By Margot Rutigliano, CPT, Certified Health Coach

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Your mindset creates your reality”? The thoughts we think, the stories we tell ourselves, and the beliefs we hold all shape how we see and interact with the world. These mental frameworks, whether positive or negative, often feel unshakably true.

While it’s normal to carry both uplifting and limiting beliefs, the challenge arises when negative thoughts and self-doubt dominate, holding us back from personal growth. Life’s challenges, traumatic experiences, or even societal pressures can lead to deeply ingrained patterns of thinking.

Why Is It So Hard to Break Free from Negative Thinking?

According to Entrepreneur.com, "Our subconscious mind basically does two things. First, it runs old programs we've taught it, automating much of our day. Second, it works to protect us and keep us safe." While this protective mechanism is helpful, it can also act as a shield that resists change. This makes it difficult to move forward or rewrite unhelpful narratives, even when we recognize their negative impact.

The Science of Change: Neuroplasticity

Here’s the good news: our brains are wired for change. This ability, known as neuroplasticity, allows the brain to adapt by forming new connections between neurons. As explained by PositivePsychology.com, neuroplasticity occurs naturally when we learn something new, but it can also be deliberately encouraged through intentional effort.

The key? Repetition.

Repetition Rewires the Brain

By consistently repeating positive thoughts and actions, we can create new neural pathways that replace old, limiting beliefs. This is where affirmations become a powerful tool. Affirmations, a lesson in Mindset Momentum, are positive statements that, when practiced regularly, help shift our mindset, foster self-confidence, and reinforce healthier thought patterns.

Beyond “I Am”: Exploring Different Types of Affirmations

When most people think of affirmations, they default to “I am” statements, such as “I am confident” or “I am strong.” While these are effective, there’s a world of other formats to explore, including:

• I feel

• I do

• I love

• I see

• I understand

Affirmations can also take the form of positive questions. For example:

• Isn’t it wonderful that I’m supported and appreciated in all I do?

• Why does everything always work out perfectly for me?

Affirmation Ideas to Inspire You

If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a list of affirmations to help spark your creativity:

• I am confident in my abilities.

• I feel grounded and peaceful.

• I am resilient and capable of overcoming challenges.

• I see beauty and possibility everywhere I look.

• I prioritize my happiness and well-being.

• I am consistent and follow through on my commitments.

• I attract abundance and positivity into my life.

• My smile lights up a room.

• I respect my boundaries and honor my needs.

• I am a clear communicator, and I listen with understanding.
  

Finding the Right Mindset Tools

While affirmations are incredibly effective, they’re just one of many tools for reshaping your mindset. Other practices, like meditation, visualization, gratitude journaling, and mindfulness exercises, can also help unlock the brain’s neuroplastic potential. The key is to explore different approaches and discover what resonates most with you.

Committing to Your Mindset Practice

Building a positive mindset isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a daily practice. Just as you would dedicate time to a fitness routine or a career goal, your mindset deserves consistent attention.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Create a Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day to your mindset practice, whether it’s morning affirmations, evening gratitude journaling, or a midday meditation.

2. Track Your Progress: Use a journal or app to reflect on how your mindset shifts over time.

3. Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend or mentor, or set reminders to keep yourself on track.
   

Transform Your Reality Through Mindset

With commitment and consistency, you can harness the power of neuroplasticity to break free from limiting beliefs and rewire your brain for positivity and success. Your mindset is one of the most valuable tools you have—dedicate yourself to nurturing it daily, and watch how your reality begins to transform.

SAY HELLO TO DEVELOPING A MORE BALANCED MINDSET: THE MINDSET MOMENTUM

Mindset is everything. Release the old to welcome a new way of thinking, believing, and being.

Discover the power of your own mind. Build the foundation for better emotional regulation, sound skills to more adequately cope with challenges, and begin developing a more optimistic outlook to cultivate peace, calm, and to achieve any goals you set out to accomplish. This journey is packed full of tools to support your journey:

• Detailed Instructions: Get the most out of your 12 week journey with a set of detailed step by step instructions to use throughout the program..

• Intention Setter: Set clear intentions for your mindset program.

• 12 Week Guided Mindset Program: Go at your own pace.

• Morning and Evening Prompts: Start and end your day with thoughtfully crafted prompts including your intention for the day.

• Weekly Reflections: Weekly Reflections allow you to reflect on your progress each week.

• Monthly Reflections: Assess your wins and all of the progress you’ve made. Reflect on challenges and next steps moving forward.

• Mindset Education: Core beliefs, external sources that influence mindset, how to rewire the brain for change, and more.

• 6 Collections of Affirmations: Enhance your mindset with 45 affirmations each for Weight Loss, Self-Belief, Self-Care, Movement, Wellness, and General Mindset.