Originally published December 4 2013
The subconscious question that sets you up for easy sucess - or chronic stress
by Mike Bundrant
(NaturalNews) Your subconscious mind is dynamic and ever processing. Sleeping or awake, and regardless of where you conscious attention rests, your deeper mind is working. It never turns off.
Medical researchers have identified the brain network responsible for a never-ending stream of activity that is typically associated with "autopilot thinking." The Default Mode Network, according to Marcus Raichle, MD, consists of areas that are in the brain that are typically more active during rest than during active task performance.
Researchers suggest that these self-referential thoughts deeply affect you. In some cases, these subconscious thoughts may be tied to mental illness and certainly chronic stress. Have you ever struggled to "turn off your mind?" This may be due to a hyperactive Default Mode Network.
Lost in this sea of mental chatter are random thoughts, mind wanderings and questions. The questions are of particular interest here, because repetitive questions lead to repetitive behavior. If you are subconsciously asking yourself bad questions, you are likely to set yourself up to feel bad.
On the other hand, if your subconscious questions are good, they will lead you toward happiness and productivity.
In NLP, there is an interesting term to identify one of these all important questions. It's known as a virtual question.
Virtual questions subtly affect your success
A virtual question is a simple, subconscious question that you are constantly asking beneath the surface. For example, if you suffer with feelings of insecurity, you might be using the virtual question "Am I good enough?"
In other words, this subtle question may be running through the back of your mind. It is always raising this issue - and creating fear that the answer might be "no."
With such a question operating in the back of your mind, you constantly compare yourself to others, raising the issue of your personal worth, over and over. This creates ongoing self-doubt. You might also be watching others to see how they react, on the lookout for any signs of negative judgment.
When you look for negative judgment, you are likely to find it.
"Am I good enough?" is not a great virtual question because it does not encourage any positive change or action. In fact, it encourages emotional paralysis.
Change your virtual question, transform your outlook on life
A much better virtual question would be: What do I need to do to feel proud of myself?
This is a great question to ask because it encourages you to take responsibility and points the way to action. The fact is, there is nothing we can do to change others, and comparing yourself to others, wondering if you measure up, will never result in reliable self-esteem.
Asking yourself what you can do to feel proud of yourself is an open ended question that leads to possibilities.
What makes the best virtual question?
Great virtual questions are focused on things that lie within the your realm of power. They are generally focused on the present, open ended and positive.
Good virtual questions must also be honest. This means they must not deny the reality of unfortunate situations. If you are going through a break up and have been informed that there is no chance of reconciliation, then asking "How can I get him/her back?" is not the best idea.
So, if you find yourself feeling overly worried or stressed, take a few quiet moments to slow down and think. Figure out what your virtual question might be. What might you be asking yourself, subconsciously, over and over? It will make total sense when you discover it.
Then, ask yourself whether or not this particular question is helpful and appropriate at this point in life. If it isn't, you can change the question!
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About the author:
Watch the free video The AHA! Process: An End to Self-Sabotage and discover the lost keys to personal transformation and emotional well-being that have been suppressed by mainstream mental health for decades.
The information in this video has been called the missing link in mental health and personal development. In a world full of shallow, quick-fix techniques, second rate psychology and pharmaceutical takeovers, real solutions have become nearly impossible to find. Click here to watch the presentation that will turn your world upside down.
Mike Bundrant is co-founder of the iNLP Center and host of Mental Health Exposed, a Natural News Radio program.
Follow Mike on Facebook for daily personal development tips.
Watch the free video The AHA! Process: An End to Self-Sabotage and discover the lost keys to personal transformation and emotional well-being that have been suppressed by mainstream mental health for decades.
The information in this video has been called the missing link in mental health and personal development. In a world full of shallow, quick-fix techniques, second rate psychology and pharmaceutical takeovers, real solutions have become nearly impossible to find. Click here to watch the presentation that will turn your world upside down.
Mike Bundrant is co-founder of the iNLP Center and host of Mental Health Exposed, a Natural News Radio program.
Follow Mike on Facebook for daily personal development tips.
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