Written by: Doron Willis, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
“Freedom of mind comes from our own self. No one can give you that.” ‒Sogee
As a psychotherapist and a mindset coach, the one thing that the majority of the individuals that I have worked with have in common when they come to me is that they come with a freed mindset. A freed mindset, also known as an enslaved or a fixed mindset, can simply be defined as waiting for permission from a source outside of yourself to pursue your dreams or live your life according to what’s in your spirit. When operating from this mindset, you are most likely to have a plethora of excuses as to why you cannot do, pursue, or achieve a goal because the circumstances are not to your liking. Singer, songwriter, and actress Madonna made it quite clear when she stated, “Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another.” And if you are not a big fan of Madonna and do not care what she has to say, then maybe you will relate more to what activist Marcus Garvey expressed when it comes to operating from a freed mindset.
The man who is not able to develop to use his mind is bound to be a slave of the other man who uses his mind.
It pains me to see so many individuals not even make an attempt to spread their wings and leave their cage better known as the comfort zone because no one is giving them the signal to do so. To further help you identify the signs of a Freed mindset are the following traits and subconscious beliefs:
You have a hard time believing that you deserve better
You have low self-esteem
You downplay your talent and skillsets
Your self-worth is derived from the praises and validation given by others
You put other people’s needs before your own
Your self-talk is more pessimistic than optimistic
You fear the unknown and remain in your comfort zone
On the other side of the freed mindset, is the free mindset. A person operating from a free mindset knows that the only person they need permission from to pursue their passion is themselves. Living from a free mindset allows you to see the limitless possibilities the world has to offer, even if you have physical limitations. Take the countless number of individuals who have impacted the world in positive ways despite their perceived limitations such as Stephen Hawking, Nick Vujicic, Stevie Wonder, Helen Keller, and Kyle Maynard just to name a few. If these individuals allowed the opinions of others to live rent-free in their heads, then we would have never gotten to witness their great feats. I feel that these individuals effectively proved the old saying, “Freedom is a state of mind” to be true. So, how does a person go about cultivating a Free mindset?
Recognize that life is short and you only get one shot at this thing as far as we know
List the best possible outcomes instead of the worst outcomes
Change your self-talk to one that is more self-accepting of your skills and talents
Create a vision board and engage daily in manifestation work
Being able to properly identify the mindset from which you operate from can explain a lot of why your life is the way that it is. One of the many things that I have learned throughout my life and continue to believe is that in order to be truly free, you have to be bold and constantly remind yourself that you are the someone you are seeking permission to live life fully. I understand why so many people continue to operate from a freed mindset because as early as school age we are programmed to give in to the permission culture by raising our hands to do and go where we desire. Although this is warranted at an early age, continuing to seek approval well into adulthood is no longer needed. With being said, consider this as your last permission to go live your life when I say this, “You are free to go do, pursue, and achieve what your heart and soul is calling you to do!”
Establishing a mindset that will allow you to live life more fully and purposeful can be a difficult process when you go at alone, which is why I am offering a free consultation. Visit my website at www.doronwillis.com and schedule a free consultation so that we can get you in a Free mindset.
Doron Willis, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Doron Willis, LMFT, MA. Doron is a Mental and Sports Psychotherapist helping individuals with a competitive spirit uncover and breakthrough their mental blocks in order to foster resiliency and perform at an optimal level in life consistently. Doron is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, a former Division I collegiate athlete, and a certified fitness and sports performance trainer, so he knows all about the importance of cultivating a strong and sound mind. Doron specializes in life transitions, resiliency, sports performance, men's issues, and helping individuals find meaning and purpose for their life.
Doron earned his Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in marriage & family therapy from Phillips Graduate University, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Arizona State University. Additionally, he is trained in EMDR therapy from the EMDR Institute and holds a certificate in Sports & Exercise Psychology from California State University Dominguez Hills, and a certification as a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Doron is also the author of "The IT Factors For Athletic Dominance: Identifying the traits of elite athletes.
