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“How I Broke Free From A Constricted Mind: The Truth”
Introduction
For so long, I was stuck in a bad place. Even recently, I found myself in a position where I couldn’t control what was going on around me. It felt like the world was going a million miles per hour, and that I was just unable to keep up, unable to break free from whatever was restraining me.
What you’re about to read is a collection of what I’ve learned, over the past year and a half, into just one post. I want you, the special reader here today, to leave with an understanding of how to keep your life in control; forgetting all the outside influence bs that exists, and just focusing on yourself.
My Story
I’ve told this story a few times, so I’ll make this quick. A few years ago, I wasn’t doing as well as I am now. I know that I’m not perfect, and that there’s a lot of work I have to do before I wish to truly achieve my best self. But, I’m slowly getting there; day after day.
Some days, I might not be doing as well. I’ll have bad days, good days, excellent days. That’s apart of life. Life is understanding that sometimes, everything is perfect; down to the last minute details (if you know, you know). Other times, life is just…not the same. That’s what’s hard for many of us to understand: life is a never-ending journey of asking “who am I, really?”
That’s where this lesson that I’m about to teach you comes in. When you have an enclosed mind, a mind that’s full of outside influence and corrupted with false ideas and negative beliefs, you have no choice but to feel awful. I mean, didn’t you expect that? That’s where mastering your mind, mastering who you are, and really taking control of your brain really comes in. It’s time to get serious.
“Who am I, really?”
Where Are You Now?
Before we do anything to clean up our messed up heads, you need to clearly assess what you’re looking like as of right now. Who are you watching? What do you do when you wake up? What are you eating every day, and why? Do you watch the news, any movies or series? If you are, what sparks your interest in watching them?
Some of these questions don’t seem to directly concern your mental state and well-being, and that’s because they don’t. They’re indirect. A lot of your problems in life are indirectly smacking you in the face; without you even being aware of it.
To give you an idea, around over a year ago, I would:
- Watch television (never the news, but always movies and tv series).
- Play videogames until my brain was absolutely fried with exhaustion.
- Eat junk food, and complain why my skin was somehow getting worse.
- Dress terribly, and care so little about my appearance.
- Live life like I was unsusceptible to losing time
As you can probably tell, a lot has changed for me. Even a few months ago, when we were in the early phases of running GG, I was a completely different person. Then, my mind was weaker, more susceptible to hate and damage. The list goes on. But, that doesn’t matter. What matters is how you’re doing, and how your mind deals with outside influence, hatred, opinions, and inflicted damage.
What’s Controlling You vs. What Isn’t
One of the most important understandings that you can grasp regarding your mental health is what is controlling your mind versus what isn’t. On one hand, there’s a bunch; while for the other, you can’t say the same. For instance, here a list of things that could be controlling your mind day-to-day:
- Outside opinions
- Television
- Advertising
- Media Influence
- False Education
- Physical Appearance
- Fashion Trends
- Videogames and social media applications
- Motivation & Desire To Improve
- Fear
What you’re seeing is a collection of items that could be controlling you. I’m going to let you in on a secret – even if you think you’re getting better, you’re not, you’re just digging an even deeper grave for your mind. What I wish someone would’ve told me long ago is that in more ways than you can believe, your brain can actually be susceptible to damage and influence that not.
Popular trends online, including those why focus on improving one’s appearance (you probably know what I’m talking about), are some of the stronger examples of that idea. Sure, on the surface, you improve your physical appearance. But deeper beyond the soil and earth, you see the reality. Once you actually put these techniques and tactics to the test, you end up realizing that its all in exchange for your mental health. In the end, your perception of how you look and how you appear to others dominate your existence 24/7 – even while you sleep. Trust me, it’s a dark place to be when you can’t seem to dig out of that hole.
But, what about things that don’t control your mental existence, while still benefiting you? In that case, examples would include exercising (help clear the mind), regular meditation, therapy, good discipline, healthy sleep, positive affirmations, and a healthy diet. Simple, not easy.
How To Take Control Of Your Mind
Firstly, you want to get rid of all outside influence that could pose a threat on your mental well-being. Yes, this includes getting rid of social medias, news outlets, whatever it is. Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to stop listening to your favorite podcasts, which informs you on the newest opportunities in business. That’s not at all what I mean.
Instead, for this step, focus on eliminating anything that controls your mind (direct or indirect), whether it’d be a form of influence or just a general factor of life; an example being high levels of stress or even fear, which cause you to make irrational decisions that don’t necessarily reflect your character or personality.
Second, implement new, healthier habits that build on your new sense of self. Elevate your already reset character by participating in hobbies, activities, or whatever it be that’ll develop your mental and physical health. But, of course, opt for things that target your mental health; as that’s what we’re aiming for.
Lastly, do this everyday until you start seeing progress. From there, keep on going. Don’t stop.
“Don’t Stop”
I want you to seriously pay attention to these two words. Why would I say this? Easy. Just because you start seeing progression, and start seeing improvement in your character, doesn’t mean you stop. No, not by any means. This journey is for life. Taking control of who you are isn’t a phase that you’ll leave behind in just a few months. No, this is a commitment that you must stick to for the next few years, or decades even, until you seriously achieve your best self.
Progression isn’t a sign to stop, it’s a sign to continue. When life gives you lemons, eat the damn lemons.
Lemons Images – Unsplash.com
Conclusion
Mastering your mind is an essential part of your personal growth that, once you have down, will level you up to extents that others wouldn’t believe it. Work is a fundamental part of life that makes us stronger, smarter, and best of all, more capable to take on the world and challenge whatever obstacles it throws at us.
If you’re interested in reading more about mastering your mind, you can check out our post on it here. It goes in very great detail as for what to expect, and even the exact procedures I implemented to make it possible. Anyways, thanks for reading part 3 to a series called “Taking Back Control”.
