When 2025 rocked around, I was reminded of a meme I saw several years ago of someone sprawled at the bottom of a flight of stairs, with the heading of ‘me arriving in 2021’ in capitals. It was exactly how I felt, four years on. It seemed like most of my friends were struggling, stuff was happening in the family and everything going on globally was also impacting me, albeit to a lesser degree. I felt pretty ordinary about the year ahead, and if someone would have said to me ‘it’s about your mindset. Where thought goes, energy flows, remember?’ I would have felt like clocking them.
Not so random
This was the vibe I brought into 2025, and things didn’t seem to be improving. Then while I was on my morning walk, listening to a random selection of YouTube videos on self-development in the hope that something might inspire me or help me feel better, a video started playing that resonated with me in a big way. Upon reflection, this video was not so random (thank you universe).
Yes, I’ve read The Secret, I’ve done self-development programs with Mary Morrissey, Mind Valley and Bob Proctor and I truly do understand the concept of how mindset can change your surroundings. That said, it is the mechanics of it that I have struggled with. It’s easy to feel positive and abundant on days where everything is peachy and working beautifully, right? But what about the days where it’s not and you feel like a bucket of poo?
Our thoughts influence our reality
The concept that our thoughts influence our reality is not new. It might seem ‘woo woo’ to many, but philosophers, spiritual teachers, and even neuroscientists have explored this idea for centuries. From Neville Goddard’s teachings on imagination to Dr. Joe Dispenza’s research on neuroplasticity, the evidence suggests that by shifting our thoughts, we can transform our lives.
The power of thought: where thought goes, energy flows
The expression ‘where thought goes, energy flows’, has been around a while, but is it just new age fluff? Imagine holding a magnifying glass over a piece of paper in the sun. The energy of the sun is diffused until the magnifying glass concentrates that sunlight into a single beam. Subsequently, the paper ignites. That’s exactly how your thoughts work. Whatever you focus on, you bring more of, into your life. If you constantly dwell on problems, you’ll find more of them (hello 2025). If you focus on possibilities however, solutions start appearing.
Neville Goddard, a spiritual teacher and author, taught that imagination is the key to creating reality. He believed that whatever we assume to be true, we will eventually experience. This isn’t just wishful thinking – it’s a deliberate act of assuming the feeling of our desires being fulfilled. The key word here is feeling. If you repeat affirmations without fully believing and feeling what you say, then you’re just wasting time. The universe responds to feeling, not empty words. When you embody the emotion of what you want before it manifests, you align yourself with the outcome, making it more likely to happen.
The science behind the philosophy
Neuroscientist, Dr. Joe Dispenza, takes this concept further. He explores how thoughts create neurological pathways in the brain and asserts that repetitive thought patterns – whether positive or negative – become hardwired. This in turn makes them our default mode of thinking. In other words, if you constantly entertain thoughts of failure, fear, or lack, your brains become conditioned to seek out more of the same.
However, he also states that you don’t need to be a victim of default thinking and can in fact change your thoughts, thanks to neuroplasticity. When I listened to him explain how to do this, it literally felt like a puzzle piece just clicked into place. I’d been listening to the same message for years, but for the first time, how to actually apply it was explained in a way that resonated with me.
Are you addicted to negative thinking?
Dr. Dispenza’s work highlights a startling truth: we can become addicted to our negative thoughts. How? The brain releases chemicals in response to our emotions, and over time, we get accustomed to the biochemical cocktail associated with stress, worry, or frustration. Like any addiction, the brain craves what it knows. If you’ve spent years reinforcing thoughts of inadequacy or anxiety, your brain will actively seek out situations that validate those feelings.
Change your mindset, change your reality
The idea that changing your mindset can change your reality has roots in both ancient philosophy and modern psychology.
In ancient times, Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius emphasised the importance of controlling one’s perception. “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.”
More recently, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is built on the premise that a change in thought patterns leads to a change in emotions and behaviors.
When you shift your focus from limitations to possibilities, you start to notice opportunities that were always there but previously overlooked. This shift in awareness creates a domino effect, leading to better decisions, improved relationships, and increased resilience.
The power of positive thinking
So, why does positive thinking work? The science is clear:
- Neuroplasticity: Your brain rewires itself based on your habitual thoughts. The more you practice positive thinking, the stronger those neural pathways become.
- Reticular Activating System (RAS): This part of the brain acts as a filter, which prioritises information based on what you focus on. If you tell yourself opportunities are everywhere, your brain will start noticing them.
- Emotional well-being: Optimistic individuals tend to experience lower levels of stress, improved immune function, and greater overall life satisfaction.
The downside of negative thinking
- Self-fulfilling prophecies: If you expect failure, you’re more likely to unconsciously sabotage yourself.
- Chronic stress: Negative emotions trigger the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to anxiety, fatigue, and even illness.
- Strained relationships: People are drawn to positivity. Constant negativity can push others away, which creates isolation and loneliness. I’ve severed friendships for this very reason. It’s one thing to help a friend out when they’re going through a rough patch – but negativity day in and day out? I’m not a person who thrives on that.
How to shift your mindset
Awareness
Awareness is key! Start noticing your thoughts. Are they mostly positive or negative? After listening to Dr. Joe, I became aware that I was focusing on negative scenarios of things that could happen – things that hadn’t even occurred! Once I realised this, every time I did this (there’s that default thinking rearing its ugly head), I would take a breath and tell myself ‘I choose thoughts that nourish and uplift me’. Immediately I would feel better. Awareness is the first step toward change.
Where thought goes, energy flows – so reframe those negative thoughts!
Instead of “I can’t do this,” try “I am learning how to do this”, or “I am in the process of transformation”. Small shifts make a big difference. Imagine you’re driving from one side of the country to another. Over a long enough period, even the smallest, slightest change in direction will have you arriving in a totally different place than the one you would have ended up at. I love this analogy, it explains the process of transformation well!
Practice gratitude
Gratitude rewires your brain to focus on abundance rather than lack. Start a daily gratitude journal and feel what you’re writing!
Focus your energy towards your desired reality
Like Neville Goddard taught, assume the feeling of your goal already being achieved.
Improve your thoughts and surround yourself with positivity
Instead of looping on negative news feeds, engaging in gossip or doom scrolling through social media, why not read a book, listen to an uplifting podcast, or spend time with people who uplift and inspire you? If you don’t know anyone like that, chances are you’ll meet them once you change your mindset.
Take action
Thinking positively is great, but it’s action that truly transforms your life. If you don’t take action, you’re just making wishes. Instead, make choices that align with your new mindset. Respond mindfully, rather than react impulsively to challenging situations.
Final thoughts
Mindset isn’t just about thinking happy thoughts – it’s about recognising the power of our beliefs and how they shape our experiences. Whether you resonate more with Neville Goddard’s emphasis on imagination, Dr. Joe Dispenza’s scientific approach, or the feel-good vibes of The Secret, the message is the same: we have far more control over our lives than we often realise.
If you’re ready for a change, start small. Observe your thoughts, acknowledge when you’re focusing on the negative and challenge those negative beliefs. Start directing your energy toward what you do want, rather than what you don’t. Because at the end of the day, it’s about mindset: where thought goes, energy flows – and you have the energy which can create a life beyond your wildest dreams. And as for me? Well, 2025 is now shaping up a lot better than I originally believed!
Love you. Love life.
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