If you’ve ever made a New Years’ Resolution and not followed through (come on, hands up!!), you’re probably wondering why you weren't able to keep your word to yourself.
I mean, it seems simply enough… we decide that this is the year we’re going to get fit and healthy! So, decision made, we promise that we’re going to get up at 6am every morning, go to the gym three times a week and a walk the other two, with extras on the weekend.
We promise ourselves that we’ll only eat ‘healthy’ food, that we won’t overindulge on alcohol and that chocolate is only a ‘sometimes’ food.
And for the first week or two, we do ok. But then a few weeks in we find ourselves hitting the snooze button saying, “I’ll go tomorrow”. Then tomorrow comes and the same thing happens.
That day, we’re in the supermarket, spy our favourite chocolate, and say to ourselves, “I’ll just get one. After all, I’ve been working hard. I deserve it.” And before we know it, we’ve fallen so easily back into our comfort pattern that we were trying to break in the first place.
Most of us have been there. Whether it’s quitting alcohol, getting organised, or spending more time with family, you start with the best of intentions. Still, something inside stops you from following through.
Why does this happen? Well, like the news channels, your mind’s filters can feed you ‘fake news’ about yourself and the world around you, making breaking old habits and behaviours difficult.
So today, we’re exploring how these filters work, why they shape your reality, and what you can do to rewrite the script.
What do I mean by 'fake news'?
As a kid, I was an avid reader. I mean, I would literally take a book into the shower with me!! That's how much I didn't want to put it down 😂
That's possibly why I was intrigued by the concept of my mind being a 'library'. I was first introduced to this idea when I was studying Neuro-Linguistics.
Being a visual person (meaning I learn and remember best when I can visualise something), I loved picturing little people running around in my head pulling out the relevant library books depending on what information I needed!
I still use this analogy with clients today because it’s such a great way to explain how the mind stores information. So, here it is…
Think of your brain as a giant library, storing every experience, belief, and habit you've ever picked up. When a familiar situation arises, your brain pulls out a well-worn library book with dog-eared corners because it's been used so often. That book is your brain saying, "We've seen this before. We wrote it all down last time, so there's no need to think, just re-read this and do exactly the same thing."
It’s your mind being incredibly efficient, helping you avoid overwhelm by reusing old information. But it also means your brain is making decisions based on outdated data.
This starts early, during the imprint period (ages 0 to 7), when we soak up everything around us like sponges. We adopt the beliefs and attitudes of those closest to us without questioning them. Why would we? We’re taught to trust the 'big people' and respect their wisdom.
As we grow, unless we actively work to change them, those early lessons become the default settings we carry into adulthood.
So, these ‘library books’ are like automatic programs running in the background - our unconscious mind - guiding how we react. Often, when we think we’re in control, we’re actually not.
Here’s an example… Let’s say you grew up in a household where mistakes weren’t tolerated. You would have developed a specific way of thinking and feeling whenever you made a mistake. If that belief remains unaddressed, it can follow you into adulthood. So, when you receive feedback or criticism, your brain may revert to those outdated stories - the 'fake news' - causing you to react in a way that's less-than-desirable.
How our mind’s ‘fake news’ affects our life
Some of the filters we’re dealing with here relate to attitude, values, beliefs, memories and language. Let me give you an example of how they show up in real-life:
Let’s say you’ve set a goal to stop drinking alcohol during the week. You start off strong, but by Wednesday, your mind feeds you the same old story: “I’ve tried this before and never succeeded,” or “I need this drink to relax!” Your memory and belief filters reinforce a false reality, keeping you stuck in a pattern.
Another common example is the language we use. If you say, “I can’t do this,” guess what? Your mind believes it. That’s how powerful the belief filter is. You might think it’s just a phrase, but it’s shaping your reality and holding you back from progressing.
These filters can feel like they’re running the show, but you can start making changes once you become aware of them.
How to challenge the fake news
It’s great to know about the filters of the mind. Still, information is just that, information until you take inspired action. So, how do you start challenging these automatic responses?
The first and most powerful tool is awareness.
Start by observing your thought processes, habits, and attitudes throughout the day. How do you react to certain situations? What emotions come up? Ask yourself if your responses are truly important to you or if they’ve been absorbed from others.
To take action, you must be aware of your mind patterns and question whether they align with your true values and goals. Ask yourself, “What do I want to change and why is it important to change it?” This introspection allows you to identify the thoughts and beliefs holding you back and gives you the clarity needed to make lasting change.
Remember, these beliefs and automatic responses aren’t facts, they’re just old ‘fake news’ stories your brain has been telling you. The moment you become aware of them, you gain the power to rewrite your script and create a new narrative that supports the life you want to live.
Your mind’s filters are necessary. They’re constantly shaping how you see the world. Still, they can also feed you a false version of reality that will continue to keep you comfortable and stuck in a pattern that isn’t yielding the desired results.
The good news is that you can challenge these filters, rewrite your story, and start living a life that aligns with who you truly are.
Learn more about the filters of your mind, and how to change them, in Episode 4 of The Brain Changers™ Podcast at https://www.moonbeammonday.com.au/podcast
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