Welcome back to another issue of Marginal Gains

A lot of people enjoyed last week's issue on the State-Story-Strategy framework and wanted to know more on how to change your state.

So this week I learnt more about the different ways you can change your state so I could share it with you.

But before I dive into that, let's look at what your state of mind is again.

Your state of mind (or state for short) is how you process what happens to you. Whether that's external events, like failure, or internal thoughts or moods.

There's 2 types of states.

1. Powerful

2. Victim

A powerful state is proactive, growth and solution focused.

A victim state is passive, fixed, problem focused.

Now that we've gone through that, let's look at the 5 different ways you can change your state:

1. Examine your limiting beliefs

Limiting beliefs are ideas we have about ourselves or the world which stop us from doing things. 

For example, a limited belief might be "I'm not creative".

These ideas keep us from growing by locking us into a victim state.

But you can change this to a more powerful state by reframing your limiting beliefs into empowering ones.

Last week's issue showed how to do this by answering 3 questions. You can check that out here.

2. Change your self talk.

How you talk to yourself matters.

Like with limited beliefs , how you talk to yourself can define your state. Negative self talk leads to a lack of confidence, hopelessness and fear.

Making your self talk more positive and empowering builds resilience and mental strength.

Helping you overcome obstacles with ease.

3. Have an Abundance Mindset

An abundance mindset means you accept you'll have plenty of opportunities for success.

You shift from being fearful of loss and accept that there's enough opportunity in the world for everyone to succeed.

Instead of fighting for (what you think are) limited resources and opportunities, you help and work with others as you work your way to your goal. Because you accept that there's enough resource and opportunity for everyone.

4. Posture and Movement

Simple movements like changing your posture can change your mindset.

Research has shown that adopting power poses for just a couple of minutes can improve feelings of confidence and assertiveness.

Exercise has also been shown to shift you towards a powerful state.

It doesn't matter if it's a weight workout or a quick walk, getting the body moving makes you happier, more positive and more resilient to stress.

5. Smile

A simple smile can release chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier.

And when you feel happier you're more positive.

So when you're feeling stressed, a quick way to change to a more positive state is by smiling. It tricks your brain into thinking the problem isn't as bad as you thought.

You become more positive as a result. And when you're more positive, you become more creative in dealing with problems in front of you.

Now you know the 5 different ways to change your state, try each of 1 and see how it changes your story and strategy.

Do you find one works better for you than the others?

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Thank you for being a part of the Marginal Gains community.

Every Sunday I share small simple tips to help you become your best self.

Want to read more?

Check out our previous issues here

Until next week,

Stay Thriving,

Shoaib.