MSS #068: The Power of Choice – Vitamin C for the Mind

MSS #068: The Power of Choice – Vitamin C for the Mind.

27 April, 2024

🕒Read time: 3.1 minutes

🚀In a hurry? Focus on the “I Choose…” list for a quick read - reduced read time: 1.5 minutes.

Welcome back to our journey of discovery. Today, we’re diving into the profound impact of choice on our sense of control and consequently, our wellbeing.

The bottom line is that when we think, or perceive we have little or no control over events in our life, it places us in uncomfortable territory.

If we allow those feelings of discomfort from lack of control to fester, a key part of our brain will find more examples for us. We can get into a very unpleasant negative spiral.

This week’s newsletter helps you recognise this and how to find the escape pod.

The Reticular Activating System (RAS) - Your Mind’s Filter

At the base of our brain lies a tightly bunched set of neurons known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS).

This fascinating part of our ancient brain acts as a filter, sifting through sensory data (with the exception of smell – this goes straight into our memory index) and past memories to highlight what’s important to us.

It’s the mechanism behind the saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”

When we focus on positive aspirations, our RAS helps us find evidence to support those goals.

Conversely, if we dwell on fears or negative outcomes, our RAS will confirm those too.

It’s a virtuous circle that can work for or against us, depending on where we direct our attention.

Where we place our attention, is taken as an instruction by our RAS, that is what we want more of, the RAS makes no assessment or judgement.

The RAS accepts the images and emotions you give it, by virtue of where you place your attention, as the filter “instruction.”

Choice - The Key to Feeling in Control

Choice is like Vitamin C for the mind.

The more choices we perceive, the more control we feel we have over our lives and the better we feel.

When we say,

“I had no choice,”

we’re expressing a loss of control.

Ironically say “I have no choice”, is a choice in itself – a very limiting choice.

But conversely by recognising the multitude of options available to us, we empower ourselves to steer our lives in the direction we desire and convince ourselves we have more control.

Using your RAS to Amplify Choice

Here’s how to harness the power of your RAS to feel more in control:

1. Thought: Be aware of choices and actively make them.

This “instructs” your RAS to focus on choice. Even the most mundane things you do, notice this as an active choice you are making.

2. Evidence: As you become more attuned to choices, your RAS will present more options to you.

Your RAS will start noticing choices, because you asked it to, by placing your attention on choices.

3. Proof: Observing more choices provides “proof” that you have control. As your RAS makes you aware of more things you can make choices over, it changes how you feel.

4. Beliefs: This strengthens your belief in your ability to choose, enhancing your sense of control and wellbeing.

It’s a virtuous circle.

Notice and acknowledge more choices and you will notice even more choices. Its that simple and powerful.

A simple way to “program” your RAS about choice.

The phrase “I choose…” is a powerful declaration.

It’s a conscious decision to take control of aspects of our lives that we might otherwise leave to habit or chance.

Be more aware of everyday things you do and start using a “I choose…” framework to acknowledge the choices you have, rather than just silently drift into choices.

Here’s a list to inspire you to notice and exercise choice in your daily life:

1. I choose my posture: How I carry myself affects my mood.

2. I choose my company: I surround myself with people who uplift me.

3. I choose gratitude: I recognise the good in my life.

4. I choose self-comparison: I measure myself against my best self.

5. I choose my mindset: I decide how I’ll approach each day.

6. I choose self-kindness: I treat myself with compassion.

7. I choose my words: I speak with positivity and intention.

8. I choose my music: I listen to tunes that elevate my spirit.

9. I choose happiness: I find joy in the simple things.

10.I choose to smile: A smile can change the course of my day.

11.I choose laughter: I seek humour in everyday situations.

12.I choose uplifting stories: I fill my mind with positive narratives.

13.I choose to celebrate success: I focus on my achievements.

14.I choose progress: Every step forward is valuable.

15.I choose accountability: I own my actions and learn from them.

16.I choose my morning thought: I wake up with intention.

17.I choose my vision: I regularly visualize my goals and feel them.

What we covered so far is a passive way of acknowledging choice, so our RAS will point out more opportunities for choice, helping us feel in more control.

Now if you want to go an extra step to being proactive, you can use

“I choose….”

to change your state.

Pick any situation you are not feeling in a good state, and say to yourself.

“I choose….[insert a positive state you want].”

Some examples will help explain.

Current poor state Change state to positive by saying

Sad “I choose hope.”

Angry “I choose to laugh.”

Annoyed “I choose to be amused.”

Upset “I choose happy.”

Disappointed “I choose optimism.”

Tired                                               “I choose recharge.”

By actively choosing what state you want, rather than accepting how you feel, you will empower yourself so easily.

The one I use almost universally is “I choose happy.”

What will you choose? Because you always have a choice over your response, don’t let old habits rule your world.

Say the words in your mind, add emotion and meaning. Keep doing it, this habit will create a new neural pathway, so soon it becomes an almost automatic response – one you have actively chosen.

In Summary

The act of choosing is a declaration of power and a commitment, to steering your life in the direction you want.

By using the “I choose…” mantra, you can program your RAS to highlight the abundance of choices around you, reinforcing your sense of control and enhancing your wellbeing.

You can start by actively choosing the simple things you take for granted – “I choose to open this door.” This puts your RAS on alert to notice more choices.

Then actively make choices to change state, my favourite is “I choose happy.”

Until next time, may your choices be conscious, opening your mind to how much more control you have, so that you notice even more choices.

See you next week. If you haven't already, follow me on LinkedIn and hit the bell for daily posts on tips, insights and techniques.

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That's it for this week. Thanks for reading, really hope this helped. Contact me if you think I can help you further at [email protected].

Happy thinking.