About 50% of my life was directed through a “failure filter.” My body and behaviors responded as such, and everything - even achievements - often felt demoralizing. There were countless sleepless nights. I didn’t show up for either collegiate graduation ceremony. Most thoughts involved being a victim to life circumstances.

Thoughts and mental images are “filters.” Following is a practice to experience yours:

What thoughts or mental images are you having? Do they help you? Or hinder you?

Are those thoughts and images of resilience and success? Or are you focused on thinking about failure and setbacks?

Observe your body’s response as you're considering those thoughts and images. What do you notice? What would you name it? 

What is one way you may choose to respond? 

Practicing noticing and naming ultimately helps you to choose to respond. When filters focus on being a problem-solver that meets challenges with resilience and creativity, that’s what you’ll be. Setbacks and failures become learning experiences, growth opportunities, and life lessons that you’re in charge of. 

Your mind is powerful. A psychologist recently pointed out that a focus on being what you hold captive in mind impacts effort. People who’ve overcome adversity share this skill with those leading an extraordinary life. A “success filter” is transformational. 

Since you’re the one in charge of your mental environment you can take ownership with practices, rather than wading in feeling stuck and hopeless. A filter that consistently visualizes yourself succeeding, then creates environments to breed success, also interprets actions that focus on efforts for becoming successful.