Mental processes are how situations, circumstances and events are perceived, interpreted and processed. Mental processes, in addition to thinking and reasoning, also involve your beliefs, attitudes, habits, moods, values and priorities.
For Example…
- Wanting to become more hopeful or optimistic with a less pessimistic view of the world.
- To be more tolerant of others, mistakes made, accepting of what is currently happening or acknowledging the diversity of people.
- To be willing to try something different, become more adventurous and brave.
- To limit the negative impact of attitudes, expectations, thoughts or views that are upsetting.
- Learning to think and reason logically, or to stop deceiving oneself.
- Acquiring and learning positive mental attitudes, through efficient self-suggestions, positive affirmations and subliminal messaging.
- To take personal responsibility for obstacles encountered, their solutions and subsequent consequences.
- Establish and sustain a personal philosophy of life, code of ethics, values and undertaking to live by.
- To increase motivation, enthusiasm, overcome a reluctance to change, work more purposefully and establish meaning in life.
Guiding questions…
Our mindset represents our thoughts, attitudes, perceptions, priorities and values. The questions below determine – regardless of whether nourishing or toxic – the perspectives and attitudes about the obstacle one is currently challenged with…
- How do you view the situation?
- Do you think it is a fair or realistic point of view?
- Why is it essential to change or adapt to the present situation?
- Are circumstances responsible for what is happening now? To what extent?
- Can you do something about it?
- To what extent – in your opinion – do other people influence your actions and behaviours?
- Do you regard a solution to the problem or issue as important? And why?
- Which of your views and values are harmful and which will help you to successfully deal with the challenge?
- How important do you regard your current values? To determine this, explore, challenge and question the following…
- ideas and belief structures,
- expectations,
- psyche barriers and traps,
- self-worth and self-esteem,
- paradoxical intention and perspectives,
- motivation and willpower,
- fears, faith and hope,
- how well does your current philosophy of life serve you,
- do you think clearly enough,
- the lifestyle you follow and
- being honest with oneself.
Wise Words, Simple Truths
"Even as water carves monuments of stone, so do our thoughts shape our character."
Hugh B. Brown