How to Brainwash Yourself

In moments of clarity I'm absolutely astounded by the power of the mind. Think about it. Our worlds aren't that different from each other. We all see, smell, touch, hear, and taste things. However, in the end, a $5 glass of wine isn't really that much different from a $500 one. When you think about it, it is the mind, which adds meaning and signifance to these sensations.

Amazingly, the exact two same sensations could cause depression in one person and motivation in another. It is a beautiful thing that we have the incredible power to actually shape our thoughts. On the other hand, it is tragedy that we don't more often!

Below are the most effective techniques I've found for controlling the mind:

1. Fake it till you make it. Aren't where you want to be? Pretend you are. How would your role model act? Be the change you want to see!

2. Affirmations. Keep on repeating empowering phrases to yourself, even when they don't seem true. The subconscious mind accepts what it is given. If you keep on saying, "I'm stupid," soon, you'll think you are. And vice-versa.

3. Meditation. Often the mind seems to run off by itself, following strings of random thoughts. Meditation helps you permamently build focus and helps you reset the brain. It is one of the strongest techniques, I've ever come across.

4. Visualization. Research has shown that the way our brain stores our visualizations is similar to how it stores our actual physical experiences. I find that when I can picture something until I know at the core of my being that it will be true, then it becomes true.

5. Practice. Nothing replaces practice. In my mind, this is by far the most important strategy. Once you've found a method that works, you have to keep on practicing. We aren't always in the mood to do it, but we have to. New things are always exciting at first, but may become boring. It is the champion who persists.