The neuroscience of Reframing: How to shape your future

Ask me the most powerful thing I've learned in 20 years of self-development.

I reckon it's the art of reframing.

This is putting on my big rose-tinted glasses and choosing how I view the events of my life.

I was doing this ages before I understood any psychology or science reasons behind how it works.  I just knew it made me feel better, more positive, in control, and ... just happier.

And the crazy thing is, slowly but surely, I saw my "stories" turn into my actual life. It isn't just positive thinking ... it's a super powerful tool that continues to help me dynamically shape the life I want.

It's been a cool journey learning why it's so powerful.

In this article I'll share a bit of the science and also how to do it ... skip to How to Reframe if you don't care about the nerdy stuff! 😁

Learning to reframe totally changed my life and that's what I want for you too!

Your Life, Your Story

It's easy to think that it's the "bad" events of your life that are causing you grief - stress, worry, anxiety, beating yourself up (pick your poison).  It's a bit of a mind-bend to realise this isn't actually true.

What's really causing you pain is the thoughts you're having about what's happening.  Your thoughts then lead to your emotions, which in turn lead to your actions or behaviours.

Situation - Thoughts - Emotions (feelings) - Behaviours

Let's say you're made redundant.  There're two totally different stories you could tell yourself.

Unhelpful story: There aren't many jobs out there. What if it takes me ages to find another job and I can't support myself? 

Better story: What a great opportunity to do something new.  There're so many options for me ... lots of possibilities.  I know I'll look back and see how perfectly everything worked out.

The situation is the same ... you just chose a better story.

Apart from feeling better right now (which is a gift in itself!), you're not just deluding yourself. 

Here's why reframing works ...

The power of reframing

Reframing is looking at a situation from a positive angle. It’s not about ignoring reality or pretending everything's perfect. It’s about choosing the most empowering, helpful interpretation of events.

This isn't just a mind game; it completely changes how we feel and therefore what we do next. 

Remember:  Situation - Thoughts - Emotions (feelings) - Behaviours.

Reframing and the brain

1. Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Your brain is constantly filtering information.  Of all the things constantly happening, you consciously notice only a tiny fraction.  And I mean TINY - like around 8-40 bits of information out of a massive 11 million bits of information ... every second! 

For those up-to-date with the science, these exact numbers are always changing and being debated, but everyone agrees it's a tiny fraction.

It's a part of your brain, the "Reticular Activating System" (RAS), that decides what gets through the filter system and blocks out the rest. 

It's your RAS at work when you're buying a new car and all of a sudden you see that make and model everywhere!  The cars were always there ... you just weren't noticing them until you brought them into your focussed attention.

The trick is making sure the RAS is filtering the right stuff!

If you say you don't have many options for a new job, your RAS will make sure you notice all the closed doors.

If you say you have lots of options and it's all going to work out perfectly, you'll notice all the open doors.

The open doors and closed doors are both there ... it's all about getting your RAS onboard to help you notice the open ones!

2. Neuroplasticity

Still talking about cool brain stuff, I know you know about neuroplasticity!  Over time, as you keep choosing better stories, you're strengthening neural pathways that make positive thinking easier and more automatic.  This has totally been a "thing" for me.  No matter what's going on in my or my clients' lives, it's easy for me to see a powerful reframe.  It's just second nature for me now ... I'm a Reframing Ninja! 🤣 

Side note: You can read my blog Breaking free from imposter syndrome - a simple, powerful tool for rewiring your brain here.

3. Confirmation bias

One final thing on the brain ... your confirmation bias means that if you believe you don't have many options and it'll be hard to get a job, your brain will work hard to prove you right.  So not helpful!

Reframing and the subconscious mind

You're 90 - 95% your subconscious mind ... it really is steering most of the ship. So, when you say, "there aren't many options for me and it'll be hard to get a job", that's some powerful programming!

Your subconscious mind is constantly processing and guiding you to take actions based on your identity (how you see yourself), values, beliefs, and past experiences.

If you repeatedly tell yourself and others that you have lots of options and things always work out for you, you're programming your subconscious mind to take actions that align with those beliefs.  What you believe to be true, you naturally move towards and create.

In summary, reframing is an amazing tool for harnessing both your brain and subconscious mind to help you create good things in your life. And YOU get to be the author!

And yes, I'm over-simplifying the subconscious mind bit ... we all have deep, longstanding beliefs and identities which are tricky but totally possible to reprogramme (speaking from experience!). There's lots of great modalities out there for this. Let me know if you want a good steer.

How to reframe ...

The cool thing is, it's super simple.  When something not-awesome happens, choose to see it in a good light.  Trust that life is happening FOR you, even when it seems to be working against you. Actually, especially when it seems that things aren't going well.

Even if things appear to be 'negative', they're always there to help you grow, find new paths and ultimately move you forward ... it's up to you to see them as such and co-create your life from this higher perspective.

Once you have a story that feels good to you, repeatedly tell it to yourself and also speak it out loud to others - there's power in sharing it and stating it out loud.  Your brain and your subconscious mind are listening!

Repetition is important for both the brain and the subconscious mind.

Here's how this looks:

"I've been made redundant but, to be honest, it's a good thing.  It was time for a change. 

I'm excited about a whole new chapter.  I know it'll all work out perfectly, I'll land a job I love, and I'll look back and see all the great things that happened, not despite this time but because of it!".

Final words

And now you have the formula to create a better career and life through choosing better stories.

Sometimes it will seem like magic, but really, it's not. You're making it happen through the power of directing your thoughts.

Remember: Situation - Thoughts - Emotions (feelings) - Behaviours.

And if we're just deluding ourselves ... still sign me up.  I'd rather be the crazy, happy woman any day!! 💃🏼😁🌈

Candice 💚

PS: You can't always control the events of your life, but you can always control your response.  This starts with reframing.

PPS:  A good driver wasn't made on a straight road.  When tough times come along, be happy for the growth and the learnings that you're gaining, even when it feels hard.  You're growing in wisdom and courage ... and so many good things come from that! 🌈