Imagine your brain as an ultra-sophisticated computer, running various programs that dictate your thoughts, actions, and reactions.

Interestingly, about 95% of these programs aren’t ones you consciously chose; they were installed during your early years.

This newsletter dives into understanding this programming and lays out a practical guide to rewire your brain for a more fulfilling life.

The Early Years: A Time of Subconscious Programming

From birth until about the age of seven, your brain operates primarily in an alpha wave state.

This phase is akin to hypnosis – a period of hyperlearning where your environment significantly influences your developing mind.

Your parents, friends, the media, and educational institutions play a pivotal role in shaping your beliefs, behaviors, and overall worldview.

This ‘download’ of information and norms sets the stage for how you perceive and interact with the world.

Imagine this scene: a father, just back from a particularly rough day at work. There was a major issue, and he was unfairly blamed for it.

As he walks through the door, his mind is a whirlwind of worry, wondering if he’ll still have his job tomorrow.

In his distracted state, he stumbles over some toys scattered near the doorway. His four-year-old son is playing nearby, oblivious to his father’s mounting stress.

Overwhelmed and frustrated, the dad snaps in a harsh tone, “How many times do I have to tell you to keep the doorway clear? What do I have to do to make you stop doing this? You never learn!”

In that moment, the little boy internalizes his father’s words in a way that’s far more significant than the dad realizes.

To the child, his father’s outburst isn’t just about toys in the doorway; it’s a message about his own abilities.

He starts to believe that he’s incapable of learning or making positive changes without harsh lessons.

The idea takes root that mistakes lead to disappointment and anger.

What the boy doesn’t understand is that his dad’s reaction isn’t really about him or the toys.

It’s the result of external pressures and a bad day at work. But in the world of a four-year-old, these nuances are lost.

For the dad, this incident is minor, just a fleeting moment of frustration quickly forgotten.

But for the young boy, it’s a small yet impactful experience that shapes his perception of learning, change, and even his own self-worth.

The Impact of Pre-Installed Beliefs

As you grow older, these early-installed beliefs and patterns continue to influence your life, often subconsciously.

They can manifest in various ways – from the career paths you pursue to the relationships you form and maintain.

The challenge is that many of these ingrained beliefs may not align with your aspirations or true self, leading to a disconnect between what you desire and what you achieve.

Have you ever noticed how in some families or social circles, there’s a pretty narrow view of what success looks like?

It’s like there’s this unwritten rule that the only way to be ‘successful’ is to land a job as a lawyer, doctor, or some other high-status profession.

In these environments, family members or friends who follow these paths are often put on a pedestal, showered with praise and admiration.

On the flip side, if someone decides to tread a different path – say, becoming an artist, entrepreneur, or anything outside that traditional ‘success’ box – they often face a barrage of questions or even outright criticism.

It’s as if choosing a less conventional career is somehow less worthy or respectable.

This phenomenon isn’t just limited to families.

You can spot it in various communities, religious groups, workplaces, and even among friends.

It’s like there’s a societal script for success, and anyone who deviates from it is seen as taking a risk or, worse, failing to live up to their potential.

It’s fascinating, and a bit disheartening, how these perceptions shape our choices and the pressure we feel to conform to certain standards of success.

But it’s also a reminder of the diverse paths to fulfillment and achievement, and how important it is to champion and respect individual choices and journeys.

We have the ability to change our brains to live up to our personal best, creating the individual expression of our inner wisdom.

In this, we can far exceed the level of “success” we would have attained following the safe, acceptable route.

Neuroplasticity: The Game Changer

The good news is that the brain is not a static organ; it’s dynamic and changeable, thanks to neuroplasticity.

This remarkable feature of the brain allows for the reorganization and formation of new neural connections throughout life.

It means you can ‘reprogram’ your brain, much like updating software on a computer.