Higher Levels of Thinking: Tuning in to Resourceful States
There’s a familiar quote from Albert Einstein that says, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” This profound statement indicates the importance of a shift in our mental state when faced with life’s challenges. It brings our focus to the dichotomy between resourceful and unresourceful states of mind. This article will explore these two contrasting states, their impact on our lives, and how we can consciously transition from unresourceful states to more resourceful ones.
The Powerlessness of Unresourceful States
Unresourceful states, such as fear, frustration, and anger, often serve as mental and emotional roadblocks that stifle our potential for growth and innovation. An unresourceful state is akin to being in a dark room, trying to find a way out, yet feeling trapped and helpless. It restricts our perspective, making it challenging to see beyond our immediate predicament. This restricted viewpoint can create a cycle of negativity, further feeding our unresourceful state and leaving us feeling stuck.
For example, imagine a situation where you’re working on a project and come across a seemingly insurmountable problem. The fear of failure might take hold, pushing you into an unresourceful state. You might feel frustrated, lose confidence, and find yourself frozen, unable to consider potential solutions.
The Empowerment of Resourceful States
On the flip side, resourceful states—such as faith, certainty, joy, and love—enable us to view problems through the lens of possibility and opportunity. In these states, we are open to creativity, ideas, innovation, clarity, and insight, making us more receptive to innovative solutions.
Consider the same project scenario. But this time, when faced with a problem, instead of succumbing to fear, you embrace faith and certainty in your abilities. This shift to a resourceful state changes your perspective, creating a sense of enthusiasm and sparking your creativity. It’s as if you’ve switched on a light in a previously dark room, revealing paths and solutions that were always there but invisible to you.
Thought as Energy
It’s important to understand that our thoughts have energy. Each thought we think, whether positive or negative, contributes to our overall energy state. When we’re in an unresourceful state, our thoughts can drain our energy, whereas a resourceful state can replenish and enhance our energy.
Much like Einstein’s postulation about problems and their solutions, we can’t shift from an unresourceful to a resourceful state with the same energy. It requires a higher, more positive energy to make that leap. This shift is not about suppression or avoidance of negative emotions but rather a conscious choice to embrace more empowering emotions and perspectives.
Shifting from Unresourceful to Resourceful States
So how can we make this shift from unresourceful to resourceful states? Here are a few steps:
- Self-awareness: Recognize your current state. Are you feeling frustrated, angry, or fearful? Acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards change.
- Reframe your thoughts: Understand that every problem presents an opportunity for growth. Replace thoughts that perpetuate unresourcefulness with ones that promote resourcefulness.
- Affirmations and visualization: Regularly practice affirmations that reinforce resourcefulness. Visualize yourself successfully handling challenges with creativity and innovation.
- Mindful practices: Activities like meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress and negativity, fostering a more resourceful state of mind.
- Maintain a supportive environment: Surround yourself with positive influences—people, books, music, or anything that encourages a resourceful state.
- Learn to apply these and many more with Life Coach Specialist Russ Kyle 😉
The shift from an unresourceful to a resourceful state is not a one-time event but a continual process. By reinforcing these habits, we can cultivate a mindset that approaches life’s challenges with creativity, innovation, and a profound sense of empowerment. It’s a game changer.