state-of-mind

Q:Hey Al! Exactly what is a state of mind?

A: A person's state of mind has the most influence on the outcome of every situation in life. Developing the ability to govern your state of mind is the cornerstone of self-actualization because your state of mind determines your perception and your behavior. Your state of mind consists of three main components: internal representations, physiology, and genetic factors.

a) Although other people and events may influence them, your internal representations are the internal source of your emotions, attitudes, values, beliefs, and understandings. These representations become the habits and patterns that determine what you picture in your mind and communicate to yourself. Your internal images and self-talk have a great impact on your emotional reactions and determine whether or not you are motivated to take positive action. Remember…you ALWAYS have a choice when it comes to your perception (how you re-present things to yourself).

b) Your physiology is made up of a number of things: biochemistry, what you eat, intoxicants, nervous energy, breathing, posture, muscle tension or relaxation, etc. Your physiology has a strong effect on your moods and emotional reactions as well as your motivation.

c) Your genetic factors are the last component of your state of mind. This is the component that you have the least control over. (Notice that I use the phrase 'least control' and not 'no control')

It is a well-known fact that the two fears that you are born with are the fear of loud noises and the fear of falling. These are genetic factors and you have little control over them when you are born, but if you are a skydiver you have been trained to access a calm state of mind during free fall. And as an adult you are less likely to be startled by thunder. Or for example, if a person is born with a chemical imbalance it can be difficult but not necessarily impossible to govern their state of mind. Ultimately genetic factors have a great effect on motivation and Emotional Intelligence.

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Al "The Inspiration" Duncan is America's Leading Youth Empowerment Advocate, a self-development expert, and a World-Class Youth Motivational Speaker. Visit him online at www.alduncan.net