What causes the stress, discomfort, or distraction when we finally get to work on completing a task that will bring us closer to what we want? The human mind is a complex and mysterious entity. It is capable of great creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. It can also be hindered by hidden constraints that operate below our conscious awareness. These subconscious constraints can limit our thinking, behavior, and potential for growth and success. We will explore other subconscious impediments, how they arise, and how to identify and overcome them.
Subconscious constraints live beneath conscious awareness, meaning we miss them. They can linger and do harm for much longer than the issues we expect. They form early in life, influenced by our environment, experiences, and upbringing. The issue? They can be positive or negative. They have significant impact on how we think, feel, and behave. For example, a positive subconscious constraint might be a belief that we’ll achieve goals, regardless of obstacles that are met. This belief provides us with the motivation and resilience to persevere in adversity. A negative subconscious constraint, on the other hand, might be a belief that you are not good enough or worthy of success. This constraint can undermine your confidence and prevent you from pursuing your goals with enthusiasm and determination.
Subconscious constraints can also take the form of habits, routines, and automatic responses. These can be beneficial in some situations, such as driving a car or playing a musical instrument, where automatic responses can free up mental resources for other tasks. However, when these habits and routines become ingrained, they can limit our creativity and flexibility, preventing us from exploring new ideas and approaches. This stance touches on the “we always do it this way” attitude that has become such a habit it is a subconscious decision we make.
So how do subconscious constraints arise? As mentioned earlier, they are often formed early in life and are influenced by our environment, experiences, and upbringing. For example, a child raised in an environment where academic achievement is highly valued. A subconscious belief success is determined by grades develops. Similarly, a child constantly criticized or told they’re not good enough may formulate a negative subconscious constraint that undermines their confidence and self-esteem. These subconscious constraints can become deeply ingrained in our thinking and behavior as we age. It can be challenging to identify and overcome. However, it is possible to recognize and address these constraints through self-awareness, reflection, and intentional effort.
One way to identify subconscious constraints is to concentrate on our thoughts and emotions. Negative self-talk and feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy can be signs of a subconscious issue limiting our potential. For example, if we find ourselves thinking “I’m not smart enough to do this” or “I don’t have what it takes to succeed,” you may be operating under a negative subconscious constraint. Another way to identify subconscious constraints is to examine our patterns of behavior. Do we tend to avoid certain situations or tasks because you feel uncomfortable or anxious? Do we consistently make the same mistakes or struggle to learn new skills? These behaviors may be rooted in subconscious constraints limiting our ability to grow and improve.
Once we have identified our subconscious constraints, the next step is to take action to overcome them. This action can involve challenging our negative beliefs. We challenge them by replacing them with more positive and empowering ones. For example, if we struggle with self-doubt, we might challenge ourselves to take on new challenges and celebrate our successes, no matter how small. Another approach to overcoming subconscious constraints is engaging in new experiences. This effort can help to break down old patterns of thinking and behavior. It will create new neural pathways in the brain supporting growth and development. If we tend to avoid social situations because of shyness or anxiety, we should make a deliberate effort to attend more social events and engage with new people.
In closing, it is imperative to seek support from others when working to overcome subconscious constraints. Not from the stance stating we can’t handle it, but for assistance in pointing out behaviors in which we are unaware. A person on the outside looking in can be an asset. We clearly desire to work towards our desires, so why are we seemingly bombarded with these ridiculous self-imposed obstacles? The answer may not be what we want to hear. The answer is it is the price of our dreams. Everyone does not get the honor of seeing their dream become a reality. Overcoming subconscious obstacles seems like an unnecessary experience to most. That is what we believe, but these challenges are what is standing in the way of all of our desires. Most don’t get to the other side of them. Which crowd will be ours?
Food for thought. You do the dishes!
