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Originally Posted by MagicalRealist  Simply becoming aware of those subconscious messages and the responses they provoke is a huge step. Because in that moment of awareness, I can say, "No, that's wrong--I don't need to fight anymore," or "No, that's wrong--I'm funny and interesting, and if I go talk to people they will see that and like me," or "No, that's wrong--most people really are trustworthy and decent," or "No, that's wrong--I probably won't lose my shirt on this deal, and if I do I can always find a way to make more money. I'll be fine."
By bringing those subconscious messages into conscious awareness, I can expose them for the self-defeating programming they are, then make a conscious decision to replace them with something better. I boldfaced that because from my experience that's really all there is to it. |
All quite true, of course. Except that not *all* of those messages are immediately susceptible to such an approach to change.
For example, you might find that you still believe something negative, even if you don't think you should. (i.e., even if you don't consciously believe it, you still feel -- and act -- as if it were true.
For many people, a simple conscious attempt like you're describing results in a new feeling - one of incongruity, self-deception, and alienation. Because when they say something like, "I'm funny and interesting", they feel like they're
lying.
So, my work is aimed at that kind of person and problem, even though identifying the "messages" (as you call them) is a common first step regardless.