Our thoughts and beliefs determine many of our actions and ultimately, how we live. From the time we were conceived until about 7 years old, we were essentially in a state of hypnosis, operating in a Theta wave pattern. Our subconscious mind began to develop before the conscious part of our brains. This subconscious part makes up 90% of our brain. It is a space of intuition, deep desires, fears, and habitual actions. In short, the subconscious does the things we do without realizing we are doing them.

For example, your conscious mind can be completely engaged in conversation with your friend in the passenger seat while your subconscious does everything needed to drive, park, and get home. Since your subconscious does so much instinctively and habitually, it isn't always easy to notice when its influence is self-sabotaging.

When we are fully present, our conscious mind is driving, but as soon as we begin to think about anything else, our subconscious kicks in. Research suggests that we run on our default programs 95% of our waking lives. Though some of the default programming can be positive, psychologists believe that the majority of the default programs are limiting and disempowering.

When looking at how the subconscious is programmed, it is no surprise that the majority of our default programming is self-defeating. If you want to excel in a sport, in your health and fitness goals, in character development, or in becoming more spiritually disciplined as a Christian, you need to evaluate your thoughts!

Though we were "programmed" at a higher rate when we were younger, we are still programmed as adults through unconscious learning and repetition. This means that we learn from what we take in and from what we are around. As a child, if you were asked "Why can't you get good grades like your sister?" or told "That's not your strong suit," you likely still believe you're not talented in the areas your parents told you that you weren't good at. If you're told you're not enough, you begin to believe it.

As adults, more often than not, we are the ones telling ourselves that. With the presence of social media and the façade of perfection running rampant, we typically speak falsely over ourselves. After enough repetition, especially if the thought is tied to an emotion, image, or powerful feeling, your subconscious will receive it in its negative light.

If we are not aware of our thoughts, we could unknowingly be allowing them to limit our potential. That being said, the first beneficial thing that could be done is to notice when negative thoughts occur. Was it when your boss reviewed your work performance, or did it occur when you were scrolling through Pinterest? As soon as you acknowledge the thought, instead of just forgetting about it, rewrite it!

Another thing that could be helpful is to question your beliefs. If you feel as though you are not beautiful, make yourself define what beauty is. If there are areas about yourself you don't yet find beautiful, then focus on the ones that you do like while you strive to grow in the other areas. Instead of looking at where you are currently, envision where you could be. Believing you can get there will allow you to envision that with excitement instead of discouragement.

Since habitual actions make the change, like water cutting through rock, we must be patient with ourselves in the process of creating new habits. Being patient with ourselves will allow us to speak and think positively on days or weeks when we see little to no progress. Holding to the vision we have will keep us persisting until it has come to fruition. Keeping ourselves immersed in positive media, relationships, and environments, along with practicing gratitude, will aid in our growth.

We have more control over our thoughts and actions than we think, but we must believe it; if we truly believe, we truly will do. Our fear is not that we are inadequate or unable to change; rather, we fear being completely and fully equipped. If we indeed are equipped, we are not justified in playing small. I dare you - find out what you are capable of when you don't limit yourself.