Learning to Shift Your Mindset

I recently learned that there is a trend on tik tok called shifting. Sometimes called “reality shifting”, apparently it is just a way of training your mind to enter a new reality. Although I don’t spend much time on Tik Tok, I do dedicate a great deal of my time helping people shift their energy and recognize the power of perception and how their mindset is creating their reality.

We’ve all met the person who sees only what’s lacking or needing or fixing, those who measure themselves and others as not enough or maybe even too much. And let’s be real, we’ve all been there. We’ve all been in that mindset. It’s not a “type” it’s a way of looking at things. Someone else might look at that very same person, place, thing or situation and have a completely opposite point of view and experience.

How we choose to look at or think about things triggers an emotion which leads to the action we take in response to that perception. We take in information through our filter of consciousness which is shaped by our interpretations, assumptions, past experiences and ultimately by what we believe keeps us safe.

If we perceive a situation as being potentially dangerous, we might then feel scared and react by avoidance or engage defensively and start an argument or fight. A different point of view or perception might lead to a more harmonious experience of engagement.

We’ve all had moments where we’ve done something that we wished we hadn’t and ask ourselves “what was I thinking?”. Well, that is a great question but completely useless in retrospect! If we can draw awareness around what we are consciously thinking in each moment and how it’s affecting us, we can start to engage in all aspects of our inner and outer lives with more energy and create the life we want to lead.
So how do you start shifting your energy?

Here are 6 stages of engagement for you to consider. As I go through them, think about when and where you show up this way and what the benefit might be of shifting your perspective. Keep in mind as we go through these that none is bad or good and don’t even get me started on the word “better”. The important thing here is to draw awareness around how you are showing up and where and when you might want to shift. It’s entirely up to you.

With the 1st STAGE of engagement the mindset is:
“I CAN’T ENGAGE” We’ve all been there. There is no shame here. The perception is that you have no power, it’s out of your control. And sometimes you just need to walk away and disengage or retreat. This is also where burnout and overwhelm reside.

2nd STAGE :
“I HAVE TO ENGAGE” The perception is that if you don’t do it, you’ll fail. You may feel like only you can do it or it won’t be done right. There are high levels of fear and internal and external judgment. This stage is absolutely effective to motivate yourself short term. It’s super charged but unsustainable and, when all is said and done it can result in overwhelm and burnout which indeed will drop your ability to engage down to that first stage again.

3rd STAGE:
“I NEED TO” or “I SHOULD” I need to engage because it’s better than not engaging. Or how bad can it be really? Awareness and response-ability is strengthening in this stage, a sense that although many things are out of your control, you can focus on the things you know you need to do.

4th STAGE:
“I WANT TO ENGAGE” I want to engage because it feels good. You get something in return for engaging so it’s attached to a desirable outcome rather than a deeper reason for engaging.

5th STAGE:
“I CHOOSE TO ENGAGE” I choose to engage because there’s nothing to lose. It’s the the perception is that there is so much to learn and so much to choose from!

6th STAGE:
“I GET TO!” This stage is a game changer. It is choice with gratitude. The perception is that everything no matter how big or small is appreciated for what it is. No judgment or criteria, only added energy when you realize that not only can I but I get to!

In French they call shifting it déplacement.

I feel it’s only apropos that I mention it here as I am spending a great deal of my life in the Eastern Townships of Quebec these days…

What is it about French culture that makes everything sound and taste so good? Art, food, bright primary colors all seem more vibrant or tactile or delectable here -or do they?

Maybe it’s just my perspective…

Listen to Audio Version here!

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Also by Lisa Hopkins:

Releasing Your Limited Beliefs

Our Limitless Capacity to Thrive

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