SUCCESS PRINCIPLE #9 WHAT WE FOCUS ON, IS WHAT WE GET: MINDSET = EXPERIENCE

In the journey of life, our experiences are not just a random assortment of events. They are deeply intertwined with our mindset and where we choose to direct our attention. This principle is one that resonates with the essence of our daily encounters: what we focus on is what we ultimately get. Let's explore this idea further, delving into the realms of psychology and human perception.

Our perception of reality is a reflection of who we are. Consequently, two individuals gazing upon the same world may interpret it differently, influenced by their unique personalities, preferences, and expectations.

This insight brings us to a crucial realization: our perception of reality is limited to what we actively seek and focus on. Just as a flashlight beam captures only what it is directed towards, our experiences are confined to the boundaries of our attention. Everything else lies beyond the scope of our awareness.

Fear vs. Appreciation: The Brain's Dichotomy

To understand the impact of our focus on our experiences, we need to delve into the intricate workings of the human brain. Emotions, such as fear and appreciation, are processed in distinct regions of our brain. When we focus on something that triggers fear within us, our brain becomes preoccupied with this emotion, causing us to exclude any possibilities for appreciation.

This division in our mental processing is profound. It highlights that when we are fixated on our fears, we are essentially closing the door to what we could otherwise appreciate. It's as if we're running a mental program that filters out positivity and opportunity.

The Power of Shifting Focus: From Fear to Appreciation

The solution to breaking free from this self-imposed limitation is simple yet transformative: shift your focus towards appreciation. By consciously seeking aspects of a situation or circumstance to appreciate, you redirect your mental spotlight. As a result, fear begins to lose its grip, gradually fading into the background.

EXERCISE: Learning from Experience

Example 1: Focusing on the Negative Think about a time in your life when you were consumed by the fear of something bad happening. Did that fear eventually materialize? Reflect on how your unwavering focus on negativity may have contributed to this outcome.

Example 2: Embracing the Positive Now, recall a different instance when you directed your attention toward something positive or hopeful. Did this shift in focus lead to a more positive outcome? Take a moment to appreciate how your mindset influenced this experience.