Mindful Mastery: Harmonizing Conscious and Subconscious Minds for True Achievement
In the pursuit of professional excellence, many high-achieving individuals focus on external strategies—goal setting, time management, networking. However, the most profound changes come from within. True mastery lies in harmonizing the conscious and subconscious mind, breaking free from limiting beliefs, and transforming disempowering emotions into a source of strength. In this article, I’ll share how these principles have shaped my journey and how they can elevate yours.
Understanding the Subconscious Mind
The subconscious mind is a powerful force, guiding over 95% of our daily actions, behaviors, and decisions. For years, I was unaware of how much my subconscious beliefs influenced my professional life. Despite my conscious efforts to succeed, I found myself hitting the same roadblocks repeatedly—overcommitting, experiencing burnout, and struggling to balance my personal and professional life.
It wasn’t until I reached my 40s that I truly began to understand the power of my subconscious mind. Up until that point, I hadn’t even questioned the notion that my thoughts were separate from who I am. I simply accepted the perspectives of others, never considering that they might not align with my own values or the greater good of the organization. I trusted people easily because that was the behavior modeled by my father.
My awakening came when I experienced a profound disconnect between my values and those of my immediate boss. One day, during a team interview for a new colleague, there were nine of us in the room, and we all loved the candidate. As a gesture of gratitude and to make the candidate feel like they belonged, I suggested that someone from our team walk them out after the interview. It seemed like a simple, yet powerful, act of alignment and respect.
However, my boss outright dismissed the idea, stating, “We don’t do things that way.” I was taken aback by her response, especially considering the competitive market for psychologists at the time. As a result, we lost the candidate. This moment was a turning point for me. I realized that my values and desire to create a welcoming, inclusive environment were not aligned with the organization’s leadership.
“This dissonance created a deep conflict within me.”
I began to work around my angst, trying to survive in an environment that clashed with my core beliefs. But the more I tried to adapt, the more I felt my influence being stifled by my boss’s power. It was then that I made a conscious decision to leave the organization. I knew that staying in a place where my values were not honored would only hold me back from true fulfillment.
Breaking Down Limiting Beliefs
Limiting beliefs act as filters through which we perceive the world, often holding us back from reaching our full potential. In my own life, I discovered that I held a deeply rooted belief that I was only worthy of success if I faced significant challenges or hardships. This belief manifested in self-sabotage, as I subconsciously created obstacles to overcome, even when things were going smoothly.
It wasn’t easy to identify and confront this belief. It required introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge the stories I had been telling myself for years. Through techniques such as journaling and cognitive restructuring, I started to replace this limiting belief with a more empowering one: “Success comes to me through ease and flow.” This shift in mindset allowed me to approach opportunities with a sense of openness and confidence rather than fear and resistance.
Example: Reflecting on my decision to leave the organization, I realized that my old belief system was no longer serving me. I had once believed that I needed to endure hardship to be successful, but this experience taught me that aligning with my values and seeking environments that support my well-being were equally important. By choosing to leave, I embraced the belief that success should align with my principles and that I deserved to work in an environment where I could thrive without compromising my integrity.
Managing Disempowering Emotions
Emotions are powerful drivers of behavior, and learning to manage them effectively is key to maintaining optimal performance. For many years, I struggled with anxiety, particularly in high-pressure situations. I would often let this anxiety consume me, leading to procrastination and self-doubt.
My journey towards emotional mastery began with the practice of mindfulness. By becoming more aware of my emotional states, I learned to recognize when I was spiraling into anxiety. Instead of letting these feelings control me, I started to view them as signals—indicators that something needed my attention. I developed strategies to transform this negative energy into a positive force, such as deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and focusing on the present moment.
Example: After the incident with my boss, I experienced a flood of disempowering emotions—frustration, disappointment, and a sense of helplessness. But instead of letting these emotions overwhelm me, I turned to my mindfulness practice and yoga teachings. These practices helped me navigate the inner conflict and regain my sense of balance. I used mindfulness to acknowledge and process my emotions, rather than suppress them, which allowed me to approach my decision to leave the organization with clarity and calmness. This emotional resilience not only helped me make a difficult decision but also prepared me to face future challenges with greater composure.
Conclusion: The Power of Mindful Mastery
The journey to true achievement is not just about external success; it’s about mastering the internal landscape of your mind. By understanding the subconscious mind, breaking down limiting beliefs, and managing disempowering emotions, you can align your inner world with your outer goals. These practices have transformed my life, helping me achieve a sense of balance, purpose, and fulfillment in both my personal and professional endeavors.
I invite you to embark on this journey of mindful mastery. By harmonizing your conscious and subconscious minds, you can uncover a new level of success—one that is both sustainable and deeply satisfying.
Learn More about mastering your subconscious negative beliefs.
Jennifer Degen
October 10, 2024
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