Conditioning Your Mind
The human mind is truly remarkable.
It’s important to remember that the very organ in your head has been responsible for building civilizations, venturing into space, and even creating the screen you’re reading this on right now.
As the most advanced species on Earth, we’re capable of incredible things, yet few people reach their full potential.
Many settle for routine tasks in exchange for a decent paycheck, when they could be working to better themselves and the world around them.
This doesn’t mean everyone has to invent the next great thing, but rather embrace life fully—take calculated risks, build confidence, and set meaningful goals they can achieve.
Shifting your mindset to one with purpose is challenging, and that’s where this article comes in.
In it, you’ll discover how to reprogram your mind to become more positive and resilient.
Instead of being weighed down by doubt, you’ll pursue your goals despite the risks. You’ll learn to think with clarity and confidence.
This article is designed for today’s fast-paced world, and though it’s a quick read, it has the potential to change your life—if you apply its teachings and put in the effort.
It’s essential to grasp the concepts in each chapter before moving on to the next, as each one builds on the mindset foundation of the last.
Confront And Deal With Your Inner Demons Once And For All
The way your mind functions is often shaped by your past, whether you realize it or not.
You don’t need a traumatic childhood to have experienced something that’s holding you back from reaching your full potential.
Sometimes, even a seemingly minor event can leave a lasting impact without you being aware of it.
For instance, if your parents were overly protective and didn’t allow you to express yourself or play freely, you might grow up to be more dependent on others.
If you were raised in an environment where substance abuse was present, you might develop a tough exterior.
Children who were bullied often grow into adults who find it hard to trust others.
Of course, these patterns don’t apply to every situation; there are exceptions, and each case is unique. Science doesn’t offer concrete answers in these areas.
But if you’ve experienced some form of childhood trauma, it may have subtly altered your worldview as an adult, without you even realizing it.
Think of your mind as a military base that has put up defenses to protect itself. Over time, your mind may have erected a shield to guard you from past pain.
For example, being bullied as a child may have made you wary of others.
Now, when someone criticizes you, you might feel anxious or defensive because you’re trying to avoid the hurt you once experienced.
Similarly, if your parents divorced when you were young, you might find it harder to trust your partner because you don’t want to endure that same heartache or see your child go through it.
It’s natural to be cautious due to past experiences. You’ve seen what can go wrong, or how harsh people can be, and you’ve put up barriers to protect yourself.
But here’s the problem: these shields don’t actually protect you.
Like a heavy weight, the mental barriers you’ve built only hold you back from reaching your full potential.
You may avoid taking risks or pursuing opportunities because of them.
You might not approach someone you’re interested in due to past rejections, or hesitate to ask for a raise because of a childhood memory of being scolded for asking for something.
Our survival instincts have kept us safe for generations, but in modern society, sometimes we need to lower our shields and face challenges head-on.
Think about your own mental shields. Have you ever regretted not taking a leap of faith? What stopped you? Could a childhood experience be the reason?
Reflecting on these questions might bring up memories you’ve buried for a long time. Talking with your family can also provide insights.
Once you identify the root cause, you’re not necessarily healed, but you’ve made the first step in understanding the issue.
Consider your shield. Are your choices truly your own, or are they being influenced by your unconscious mind?
To live a fulfilling life, you need to live by your own terms, not be guided by events from years, or even decades, ago.
A truly resilient mind doesn’t need to shield itself from the challenges life throws at you.
When you’re constantly guarded, you may overthink and hesitate, preventing yourself from taking risks and embracing opportunities.
While there’s nothing wrong with careful thought—like questioning suspicious offers—it’s important not to let overthinking paralyze you.
A resilient mind questions, but doesn’t hold back when it’s time to take a leap. Sometimes, you just need to ask the person out.
Sometimes, you just need to be direct with your boss and ask for that raise.
So how do you change this? You need to look inward, at your unconscious mind.
There may be hidden thoughts and feelings locked away, but pressing against the walls of your consciousness.
It’s time to bring those hidden parts of yourself into the light, and in this book, we’ll show you how.
Awaken Your Unconscious Behavior
The unconscious mind is often compared to an iceberg—a common analogy.
The part you can see, the tip, represents your conscious mind, while the massive part hidden beneath the water symbolizes your unconscious.
Most of it remains out of sight, and understanding it fully requires special tools.
Because of its elusive nature, the unconscious mind is still not completely understood. It’s the part of your mind you can’t access through regular self-reflection.
Beyond repressed traumas, your unconscious mind holds various elements, such as:
- Motivations and Instincts
You might not understand why you ate that cookie while on a diet, but there may be an unconscious urge to sabotage yourself. - Habits
Why do you eat a certain way? Why do you bite your nails? These habits might stem from unconscious influences, perhaps tied to a trauma you can’t recall. - Automatic Responses
Do you apologize even when it’s not your fault? There may be an unconscious reason for that, like an authority figure in your childhood getting angry with you for minor reasons.
Your unconscious mind holds answers to many of your behaviors, but accessing it is not easy, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
However, there are a few ways to tap into your unconscious:
- Meditation is one of the most common methods. Many people have accessed their deeper mind through meditation. There are countless techniques you can explore, but the basic idea is to find a quiet, comfortable spot, focus on your breathing, become aware of your body, and dive into your inner mind.
- Another way to access your unconscious is by recalling repressed memories. Therapy, or even conversations with family and friends, can help you unlock memories you may have forgotten. They might recall something you can’t, and once that memory surfaces, the doors to your unconscious open.
Unconscious memories can hold you back from achieving your goals.
If your unconscious mind believes you’re doomed to fail, it can act as an obstacle, preventing you from even trying.
It’s like running a race where you trip before you’ve even broken a sweat.
Overcoming this mental resistance doesn’t mean everything you pursue will come easily. People will still say no, and you might lose something after taking a risk.
Often, that inner voice saying “no” stems from a place of truth. But having a resilient mind means understanding that failure is part of the journey.
The most successful people in the world failed many times before they achieved their goals.
The star basketball player missed countless shots before mastering three-pointers. The bestselling author faced hundreds of rejections before finding a publisher.
These people developed bulletproof minds. When they faced setbacks, they didn’t think, “Maybe I should give up.”
Instead, they wondered, “How can I do better next time?”
It’s not that they never had doubts, but their resolve was stronger than their fears, and that’s what led them to success.
When you encounter obstacles, don’t view them as the end. Instead, turn them into opportunities for growth.
We all know the debate between optimists, pessimists, and realists, but positive people tend to have the drive to keep moving forward, something pessimists often lack.
While there’s nuance to this, the general principle is that a positive mindset is more beneficial.
In a world full of negativity, from political outrage to bad news, it may seem foolish to be optimistic.
But society’s greatest achievements were born from positive thinking.
Cavemen, for example, sought a way to move things more easily, which led to the invention of the wheel.
The automobile was created by someone envisioning a world where people could travel freely.
By identifying what holds you back, you’ll gain clearer insight into your decisions, and hopefully, a new perspective on life—whether you succeed or fail.
This article won’t change your mindset overnight, and even after adopting a more positive outlook, doubts may still creep in.
Being bulletproof doesn’t mean being invincible. Like a bulletproof vest, you can still feel the impact, but it won’t take you down.
You want a mind that keeps going, even in the face of fear.
How to Awaken Your Unconscious Mind:
- Start by noticing your quirks.
- If you can’t identify any, ask coworkers, friends, or family—they might point out things you don’t notice.
- Write these quirks down and try to understand why you have them. You may not uncover the full answer right away, but it’s a starting point.
- Each time you recognize a subconscious behavior, make a “mental note” of it.
- Focus on controlling emotions you want to change, like anger or frustration.
- Take small risks to initiate small changes in your life. Avoiding risk means avoiding growth. From there, you can work your way up to taking bigger risks and making greater changes.
Once you begin to observe your subconscious actions, you’ll start to gain insight into why you behave in certain ways.
These observations are crucial because your unconscious mind often operates in the background, dictating actions without you even realizing it.
By acknowledging these patterns, you can begin to reshape them.
Steps for Tapping into the Unconscious Mind:
Recognize your default reactions.
The first step in awakening your unconscious is to recognize when and how you react to situations.
These reactions may be automatic, but once you become aware of them, you can begin to question why you respond that way.
For instance, do you immediately feel defensive when receiving feedback? This could stem from an unconscious association with criticism from your past.
Break down your habits.
Your habits are often the most telling indicators of your unconscious mind at work.
Whether it’s the way you eat, the tone you use in conversations, or your daily routines, these behaviors can be traced back to deeper motivations.
Start small by identifying one or two habits you’d like to change and work backward to find their origins.
Ask yourself, “What was I feeling or thinking the first time I did this?”
Challenge automatic negative thoughts.
Negative self-talk or limiting beliefs are often rooted in the unconscious.
Thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I always fail” are based on past experiences, but they don’t have to define your future.
When these thoughts arise, challenge them. Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” or “What evidence do I have that contradicts this belief?”
Gradually, you can replace these thoughts with more empowering ones.
Use visualization to reprogram your mind.
One powerful way to communicate with your unconscious mind is through visualization.
By mentally rehearsing positive outcomes or imagining yourself achieving a goal, you send a clear message to your unconscious that this is possible.
Over time, these visualizations can reshape your beliefs and behaviors, leading to real-world changes.
Explore through journaling.
Writing can be an excellent tool for uncovering hidden thoughts and feelings. Journaling allows you to reflect on your experiences, habits, and emotions.
It can also help you connect the dots between past events and your current mindset.
By making a habit of journaling, you create space for your unconscious thoughts to rise to the surface.
Get comfortable with discomfort.
Delving into your unconscious can be uncomfortable. You might uncover past wounds or beliefs that you’ve avoided confronting.
However, growth often comes from discomfort. When you face these feelings, instead of shying away from them, you allow yourself to heal and move forward.
Taking Small Risks for Big Change:
Small risks are the stepping stones to larger transformation. By taking calculated risks, you challenge the unconscious mind’s tendency to play it safe.
Start with something manageable, like speaking up in a meeting or trying a new hobby.
These small acts of courage will slowly begin to shift your unconscious beliefs about what’s possible for you.
As you build confidence from these small wins, you can take on bigger challenges.
Maybe that means applying for a promotion, starting a business, or pursuing a new relationship.
With each risk, you weaken the grip your unconscious mind has on your fears and limitations, allowing you to move closer to your full potential.
Rewriting the Narrative:
One of the most powerful things you can do is rewrite the story you’ve been telling yourself.
Your unconscious mind operates based on the narrative you’ve lived up to this point. But just because your past shaped you doesn’t mean you’re bound by it.
You have the power to create a new story—one where you’re not limited by fear, self-doubt, or the experiences of your childhood.
Shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.
Many of us operate from a place of scarcity—believing there’s not enough success, love, or opportunity to go around.
This mindset can hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Instead, embrace an abundance mindset.
Believe that there’s enough for everyone, including you, and that opportunities are always available.
This shift in perspective can open up new possibilities that your unconscious mind previously blocked.
Embrace failure as part of growth.
The fear of failure is deeply rooted in the unconscious. But those who succeed in life understand that failure is not a dead end—it’s a stepping stone.
Each failure offers valuable lessons that bring you closer to your goal.
By changing your relationship with failure, you train your unconscious to see it as part of the process, rather than something to be feared.
Strengthening the Bulletproof Mind:
Building a “bulletproof” mind means strengthening your mental resilience. It’s about knowing that, no matter what life throws at you, you can keep moving forward.
This doesn’t mean you won’t experience setbacks, doubt, or fear. It simply means that you won’t be paralyzed by them.
Focus on solutions, not problems.
A bulletproof mind looks for solutions rather than dwelling on problems. When you encounter a challenge, ask yourself, “What can I do to overcome this?”
By shifting your focus from the problem to the solution, you train your mind to be proactive rather than reactive.
Take control of your internal dialogue.
Your self-talk has a significant impact on your unconscious mind. If you constantly tell yourself, “I can’t” or “I’m not good enough,” your mind will believe it.
Instead, practice positive affirmations. Statements like “I am capable” or “I can handle this” may seem simple, but they reinforce positive beliefs in your unconscious.
Develop a growth mindset.
People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can improve with effort. They view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as obstacles.
This mindset allows you to face difficulties with optimism and resilience, knowing that each experience, whether positive or negative, is helping you evolve.
Moving Forward:
As you start to unlock your unconscious mind, you’ll likely experience a shift in how you approach life.
You’ll feel more in control, more aware of your choices, and more confident in your ability to navigate challenges. The key is consistency.
This journey is not something that happens overnight, but through regular reflection, small risks, and positive reinforcement, you can transform your unconscious mind into a powerful ally.
By being aware of what holds you back and consciously working to change it, you’ll gain a clearer view of your life’s possibilities.
While doubts may still arise, you’ll be better equipped to face them, knowing that a bulletproof mind doesn’t mean never feeling fear—it means moving forward despite it.
And that is where true strength lies.
How to Keep the Momentum Going:
As you continue this journey of understanding and reshaping your unconscious mind, maintaining momentum is key.
Personal growth is a lifelong process, and while you may experience breakthroughs, it’s the consistency of your efforts that will create lasting change.
Here are some strategies to help keep the momentum going:
1. Set Small, Achievable Goals:
When tackling the unconscious mind, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the size of the task.
Instead of trying to change everything at once, break your goals into smaller, manageable steps.
Each time you achieve one of these smaller goals, it builds confidence and reinforces the belief that change is possible.
For example, if you’ve identified a subconscious habit that’s holding you back, like avoiding social situations due to anxiety, start small.
Maybe your first goal is to initiate one conversation at a social event.
Over time, as you build these small wins, your unconscious mind will begin to view socializing as less of a threat.
2. Create a Daily Mindset Practice:
To strengthen your mind and stay connected to your unconscious, develop a daily practice that keeps you focused on your goals.
This could include meditation, journaling, or a morning affirmation ritual.
By dedicating time each day to reflect and reinforce positive thoughts, you signal to your unconscious mind that you’re serious about change.
A simple practice is starting the day with a positive affirmation, such as, “Today, I will embrace opportunities and take action with confidence.”
Over time, this daily reminder can rewire your unconscious mind to believe in your capabilities.
3. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection:
Many people give up on personal growth because they focus too much on perfection. Instead, celebrate progress.
It’s not about never having a negative thought or eliminating all fear; it’s about noticing when you’ve made a shift.
Maybe you handled a challenging situation with more composure than before, or you took a small risk that would’ve scared you in the past.
These moments of growth should be acknowledged and celebrated.
Celebrating even the smallest successes encourages your unconscious mind to continue on the path of progress.
This creates a positive feedback loop where you’re motivated to keep going, knowing that every step forward matters.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences:
The people you surround yourself with can have a significant impact on your mindset.
Negative or toxic environments can reinforce the limiting beliefs held by your unconscious mind.
On the other hand, surrounding yourself with supportive, growth-minded individuals can encourage your personal development.
Seek out people who challenge you to be better, who inspire you, and who share similar values.
Whether it’s friends, mentors, or even online communities, connecting with others on the same journey can provide the support and accountability you need to keep moving forward.
5. Use Visualization to Reinforce Goals:
As mentioned earlier, visualization is a powerful tool for communicating with your unconscious mind.
Continue to use this practice regularly, especially when you’re pursuing long-term goals.
Visualizing yourself succeeding not only reinforces positive beliefs but also prepares your mind to handle real-life challenges.
For example, if you’re nervous about a presentation at work, take a few minutes each day to close your eyes and vividly imagine yourself delivering it confidently and successfully.
Picture how you’ll feel, how others will respond, and the sense of accomplishment afterward.
This mental rehearsal primes your unconscious to view the event as achievable, reducing anxiety and boosting performance.
6. Identify and Reframe Limiting Beliefs:
One of the most effective ways to overcome unconscious barriers is to identify and reframe your limiting beliefs.
Limiting beliefs are deeply ingrained thoughts that hold you back, often rooted in past experiences or societal conditioning.
Once you’ve identified these beliefs, challenge them by asking, “Is this really true?”
For example, if you believe “I’m not smart enough to succeed,” ask yourself where this belief comes from. Did someone make you feel this way in the past?
Is there evidence to the contrary? By reframing the belief, you can replace it with something more empowering, like “I have the ability to learn and grow.”
7. Practice Self-Compassion:
As you uncover and work through aspects of your unconscious mind, it’s important to be kind to yourself.
Personal growth can bring up painful memories or difficult emotions, and there will be times when progress feels slow.
During these moments, practice self-compassion.
Recognize that everyone has an unconscious mind shaped by experiences, and it’s not your fault that certain habits or beliefs formed.
Instead of criticizing yourself for not being “perfect” or changing fast enough, remind yourself that growth is a process.
Treat yourself with the same kindness and patience you would offer a friend on a similar journey.
8. Stay Curious and Open to Learning:
Awakening your unconscious mind requires a mindset of curiosity.
Stay open to learning new things about yourself, and be willing to explore areas that may feel uncomfortable.
This journey is about discovering more about who you are and how you can grow, and that requires an openness to change and evolution.
9. Reflect Regularly:
Take time to reflect on your progress regularly.
Whether it’s at the end of each week or month, look back on the changes you’ve made and the challenges you’ve overcome.
Reflection helps you track your growth and identify areas where you still need to focus.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What habits have I become more aware of?
- How has my thinking shifted in the last few weeks?
- What risks have I taken, and what did I learn from them?
- What limiting beliefs have I challenged and reframed?
10. Accept Setbacks as Part of the Process:
Setbacks are inevitable in any journey of personal growth.
There will be days when old habits resurface or when your unconscious mind pulls you back into familiar patterns.
It’s important to remember that setbacks are not failures—they’re part of the process. What matters is how you respond to them.
Instead of becoming discouraged, view setbacks as opportunities for learning.
Each time you fall back into an old behavior or belief, it’s a chance to reflect on what triggered it and how you can approach it differently next time.
Over time, these setbacks will become less frequent, and you’ll gain more control over your unconscious reactions.
Final Thoughts:
Your unconscious mind is a powerful force that shapes your thoughts, behaviors, and actions.
By learning how to access and understand it, you can unlock your full potential and live a life aligned with your true desires.
The process of reprogramming your unconscious is not easy, but with patience, persistence, and self-compassion, you can create lasting change.
This journey is not about erasing your past or becoming immune to challenges—it’s about learning how to move forward, despite the obstacles.
A bulletproof mind isn’t one that never faces doubt or fear, but one that continues to pursue goals in the face of those emotions.
Remember, you are in control of your future.
By exploring your unconscious, challenging your limiting beliefs, and embracing risks, you’ll discover new possibilities and unlock a version of yourself you may never have thought possible.
Take the first step, and trust in the process.
Your mind is capable of far more than you realize, and with each small change, you’ll be closer to realizing your full potential.
