Remember our discussion about the three modes of mind – Reflexive, Reflective, and Flow? Today, we’re diving into a powerful technique that helps you optimise all three: the SHIFT method. This systematic approach helps reprogram your subconscious, making your reflexive responses more positive and opening the door to more flow states.
Why We Need to SHIFT
As we explored in our previous article, about 80% of our daily thoughts are reflexive and often negative. These aren’t just fleeting moments – they’re the building blocks of our beliefs and actions. The SHIFT method is your toolkit for renovating this mental foundation.
Breaking Down SHIFT
S – See
First, we need to see what’s really going on in our minds. This means:
- Writing down ALL your beliefs and word associations about a specific subject
- Being brutally honest – no sugarcoating!
- Externalising these thoughts onto paper (or screen) where you can examine them objectively
Pro Tip: Choose one area of your life at a time. Maybe it’s your career, relationships, or health. Don’t try to tackle everything at once!
H – History
Time to play detective with your own mind! For each belief you’ve identified, ask:
- “Where did this belief come from?”
- “What is it REALLY saying underneath the surface?”
Maybe that belief “I’m not good at public speaking” really came from one awkward presentation in school. Or perhaps “I’ll never be successful” is actually your uncle’s voice in your head.
I – Impact
Now we measure the weight of these beliefs:
- Rate each belief’s truth on a scale of 1-10
- Be reflective and honest in your assessment
- Notice which beliefs have the strongest hold on you
F – Facts
Time to gather evidence:
- List all the reasons/evidence that might support your belief
- Then, systematically find opposing evidence for each point
- Use:
- Existing contradictory experiences
- Research and data
- A diary of new evidence and achievements
T – Transform
This is where the magic happens!
- When negative thoughts arise, consciously replace them
- Use the format: “[Old thought] is what I used to think. But now I know [new thought]”
- Example: “I used to think I was bad at learning languages. But now I know I just needed the right method and consistent practice.”
The SHIFT Method in Action
Let’s see how this might work in real life:
Scenario: Fear of Public Speaking
- See: “I’m terrible at public speaking. Everyone will judge me. I’ll freeze up and look stupid.”
- History: Trace it back to that one time in year 10 when you stumbled during a presentation and some classmates laughed.
- Impact: Rate the belief – maybe it’s an 8/10 in terms of how “true” it feels.
- Facts:
- Old evidence: “I messed up once in high school”
- New evidence:
- Successfully led team meetings at work
- Gave a toast at your best friend’s wedding
- Took a public speaking course last summer
- Transform: “I used to think I was terrible at public speaking. But now I know I’m constantly improving and have successfully spoken in front of others many times.”
Why SHIFT Works Better Than Simple Affirmations
Standard affirmations often fail because they try to bury negative thoughts. SHIFT is different:
- It acknowledges your current beliefs
- Uses your reflective mode to analyze them
- Creates genuine, evidence-based transformations
- Gradually reprograms your reflexive responses
The Three Modes and SHIFT
- Reflexive Mode: SHIFT reprograms your automatic responses over time
- Reflective Mode: You use this mode during the SHIFT process
- Flow: As negative thoughts decrease, you’ll find it easier to enter and maintain flow states
Read more about the 3 modes here.
Keeping Track of Your SHIFT
Create a SHIFT Journal:
- Document your progress
- Record new evidence that contradicts old beliefs
- Celebrate your wins, no matter how small
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Trying to change everything at once
- Expecting instant results
- Not being honest in the “See” phase
- Skipping the “History” step
- Not gathering enough “Facts”
The Road Ahead
Like Einstein using flow states for his thought experiments, or artists accessing flow for creativity, you too can transform your mental patterns. The SHIFT method is your pathway to:
- More productive reflexive responses
- Clearer reflective thinking
- Easier access to flow states
Remember, this is a journey. Your mind’s operating system took years to develop – give yourself time to update it. Keep practicing SHIFT, stay patient, and watch as your thought patterns gradually transform.
Free “Catch and SHIFT” Cheat Sheet
Ready to start your SHIFT? Get the free cheat sheet to keep you on track. Use the form below and we’ll email you the cheat sheet to start using right away:
Your Turn: What’s one belief you’d like to SHIFT? Share your experience or ask questions – I’m here to help!