The power of your mind and how it can shape you or break you

You live most of your life inside your mind. It’s so powerful that it works constantly, even when you’re not aware of it. This is your subconscious – the part of you that runs in the background like an operating system, shaping your emotions, behaviours, habits, and perceptions.

You might notice it speaking to you, even when you're in the middle of a conversation with someone else. It’s like the silent partner in your life, but one with an immense amount of influence. Left unmanaged, it can sabotage your confidence, decisions, and future.

But here's the good news: with consistency and effort, you can begin to understand and reshape your subconscious. By recognising where your emotions come from, where you're stuck, and how your thoughts shape your reality, you’ll gain the power to take control.

• T – The seed of all creation begins with a thought.
• H – How we see the world is shaped by what we think.
• O – Our beliefs are built on repeated thoughts.
• U – Understanding your mind gives you control over your life.
• G – Growth begins when you challenge unhelpful thoughts.
• H – Harness positive thinking to shape your reality.
• T – Transform your mindset to create the life you desire.

The quality of your thoughts matters

The quality of your thoughts is crucial to your well-being. It’s easy to say, “Everything will be fine,” but when that inner voice—the one that feels stronger than your conscious mind—begins to challenge you, it can feel impossible to believe it. This is why it’s essential to develop awareness of your thoughts and not allow them to dictate your emotional state.

Many of us get caught in patterns of living in the past, replaying painful experiences, or projecting into the future, imagining worst-case scenarios that may never happen. But neither of these habits serves our emotional well-being. When we dwell on the past, we often reinforce feelings of regret, guilt, or resentment. When we fixate on the future, we fuel anxiety and fear over things we cannot control.

The truth is the only moment that truly exists is “now” and learning to anchor yourself in the present is one of the most powerful ways to regain control over your mind.

The snowball effect of thoughts

For example, have you ever noticed how a single thought can snowball into a bigger story in your mind? Often, this happens without any real evidence, yet we attach meaning to it. If that thought is negative, it can spiral into overthinking or rumination, keeping you stuck in an unhelpful cycle.

That’s why it’s important to break the cycle. One way to do this is by immediately dismissing negative thoughts. If that’s difficult, use a distraction technique, like an “Anchor” – something simple but effective that helps redirect your focus.

What is an anchor and how and when to apply it: 

Anchor – what, when & how

• What: An anchor is a mental or physical cue that instantly shifts your emotional state.
• When: Use it during anxiety, overthinking, or stressful situations to regain control.
• How: Choose a trigger (e.g., pressing fingers together, a word, or an object).

Associate it with a positive state (recall a strong, calm moment). Repeat to reinforce the connection. Use it when needed to trigger the desired feeling instantly.

Before you allow an intrusive thought to dictate your mood or actions, take a step back and look at the evidence. Ask yourself:

• Is this thought based on fact or fear?
• What evidence do I have to support it?
• What would I say to a friend who was thinking this way?
• Is this thought helping me, or is it holding me back?

By challenging your thoughts in this way, you begin to take back power.

The mind and body connection

The mind and body are deeply connected, so when you experience anxiety, your body is reacting to the messages your mind is sending. Your heart might race, your stomach may feel unsettled, and your muscles may tense—but these physical sensations don’t come from anywhere. They are direct responses to the **thoughts** you are entertaining.

So, the next time you feel anxious, pause and ask yourself:

• What thought preceded this feeling?
• Am I imagining a problem that hasn’t happened?
• Is there a more balanced way to look at this?

The key is to recognise that you are not your thoughts. You are the observer of them. As the observer, you have the power to choose which thoughts you give attention to and which ones you let pass. Not every thought deserves your belief.

Your subconscious is always listening

Your subconscious is always working, even while you sleep, organising the information from your day and storing what it deems important. But if you constantly overthink or hold onto negativity, your subconscious will keep reinforcing those patterns, making them harder to shift. This is why managing your thoughts is critical. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice.

ADHD and thoughts and how they have the ability to shape you

I’ve lived with ADHD my whole life, only diagnosed later. Looking back, I realised ADHD didn’t stop me, it helped shape me to become the person I am today. I’ve achieved so much with it by my side, and now, I want to show you how to break free from the limiting thoughts it throws at you. Let’s turn ADHD from a struggle into your superpower—so you can say, 'Yes, I can do whatever I want!'

Managing a racing mind – especially with ADHD

For those with ADHD, especially hyperactivity, it can feel impossible to "shut off." In fact, bedtime is often when the mind "comes alive," which can be overwhelming and debilitating. So, how do you manage this?

Living with ADHD means embracing your unique mind, managing thoughts by questioning their truth, and using strategies like anchors to stay focused. With awareness, understanding, and belief in your own power, you can turn ADHD into a strength, not a struggle.