Senso1970's Blog   Thoughts, ramblings, and accountability from sunny Madison, AL

Today I was driving into Athens when my car drifted a little too far toward the center of the road.  They have reflective lane dividers here in Alabama that make seeing your lane at night way easier.  They also give you an audible and physical prompt that you’ve drifted too far by thumping your tires.

The second I felt the thumping I instinctively centered my car in the lane.  I also told myself “learn to drive, stupid.”  Of course I was joking with myself.  I’m perfectly aware of how to drive.  I’ve been doing it for over three decades now.  And I know I’m not stupid.  But what’s the harm in a little self deprecating humor, right?

Well here’s the harm.  While you have a sense of humor, your brain doesn’t.  Your subconscious mind takes things quite literally.  So when you make a silly mistake and think to yourself “idiot” it’s all well and fine that YOU realize you’re just kidding, but your subconscious believes that you believe you’re an idiot.  And it stores that away for later.

Most things we do in life are the result of pre-programing that our subconscious mind acts on.  So think about that.  If you’ve been, even unintentionally, feeding into your subconscious that you’re fat, or stupid, or not worthy, it operates under the impression that those things are true.  And we wonder why we find success in life so elusive.

So a little self deprecating humor here and there isn’t going to kill you.  If you do make an oopsy feel free to yuck it up a bit.  But pay close attention to how often.  The predominate thoughts in your mind should be nurturing and uplifting.  They should be positive and optimistic.

On a side note, keep in mind that your subconscious doesn’t understand the concept of negating either.  You might think you’re being positive and reinforcing success by saying in your mind “I am not capable of failure” but what your subconscious hears is “I am capable of failure” because it drops the word “not” out.  Another example is instead of hearing “I don’t miss a chance to exercise” your subconscious drops the “don’t” and hears that you do miss chances to exercise.

So be mindful what you program your subconscious with.  I am a success.  I accomplish what I set out to do.  I learn things easily.  I am smart.  I am capable.  I am loveable.  Whatever you program into your subconscious is what your subconscious uses to run your life.  So keep the thoughts positive and happy, and have a great day.