Lessons from The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

The subconscious mind is an untapped treasure chest within each of us, housing vast reserves of creativity, motivation, and insight. In his classic book The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, Dr. Joseph Murphy unveils this fascinating inner world, showing us how we can harness our subconscious to enrich our lives, particularly in the realm of writing. If you’re a writer, the subconscious mind can be your most powerful partner. Let’s explore some key lessons that blend psychology, writing principles, and the power of words.

Recognize the Power of Words

Words aren’t merely tools for communication; they’re the foundation of how we shape and direct our subconscious mind. Each word you use carries the potential to encourage, inspire, or even limit you. When writing, the words we select help shape our thoughts and emotions, which can either nurture creativity or restrict it. By embracing positive, purposeful language, we reinforce encouraging beliefs about ourselves and our writing abilities. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll never finish this chapter,” try saying, “I’m progressing step by step to complete my chapter.” This reframing empowers both our mindset and our work.

Establish a Writing Space that Feeds the Subconscious Mind

Every writer knows that setting matters—not only in storytelling but in real life. Creating a personal writing space that supports productivity and focus is one of the best ways to help your subconscious mind perform at its peak. A dedicated writing area provides a psychological anchor, letting your mind associate that space with creative energy, flow, and productivity. Here’s how you can design an inspiring environment that encourages the subconscious to tap into your creativity effortlessly:

Choose a Spot with Minimal Distractions

The subconscious thrives in a quiet, focused environment. Choose a location away from distractions—whether it’s household noise, clutter, or the digital noise from your phone or computer. When distractions are minimized, your subconscious mind can settle into the writing task and contribute fully, instead of trying to filter out interruptions. A calm, quiet area also helps you focus on your thoughts and emotions, making it easier for ideas to surface naturally.

Incorporate Visuals that Inspire Creativity

Surround your writing space with visuals that spark your creativity and connect to your writing goals. These could be images, quotes, or even pieces of art that align with the themes or emotions you explore in your work. For instance, if you write nature-inspired poetry, you might include pictures of landscapes or plants. When you sit down to write, these visuals gently cue your subconscious to access a specific mindset, triggering the themes and emotions you want to convey in your work.

Personalize with Objects that Have Meaning

The subconscious mind is highly receptive to symbols and personal significance. Fill your writing space with items that have personal meaning—these could be trinkets, souvenirs, or even your favorite books. Objects that resonate with you emotionally or creatively can help put you in a mindset of comfort and inspiration. This helps make your writing area a ‘safe space’ for your thoughts and expressions, freeing your mind to explore and create without restraint.

Set Up the Right Lighting and Ambience

Lighting affects mood and productivity more than we might realize. Opt for natural light if possible, as it boosts focus and reduces fatigue, keeping your mind active and alert. If natural light isn’t accessible, use warm, soft lighting that relaxes the mind while providing enough brightness to work effectively. Some writers even like to use scented candles, soft background music, or white noise to create an environment that feels cozy and welcoming. This careful arrangement of ambience primes your subconscious to see this space as a comforting, creative haven.

Organize for Productivity

Clutter can distract and disrupt the creative process, so aim for a clutter-free, organized space. Arrange your writing tools and materials so they’re easily accessible—like notebooks, pens, or reference materials. A tidy space signals your subconscious that you’re prepared and focused, making it easier to settle into a flow. Plus, organizing your space regularly can become a grounding ritual that clears mental clutter, reinforcing your commitment to the craft each time you sit down to write.

Designate a Time and Routine for Writing in This Space

Establishing a consistent writing routine in your dedicated space creates a powerful association. Over time, your subconscious will begin to respond to the routine itself, treating this specific place and time as sacred for creativity. This doesn’t mean forcing yourself to write for hours; even a few minutes daily can create a bond between your mind and the environment. A short warm-up, like free-writing or reading a few lines of poetry, can also ease your transition into a focused mindset.

By thoughtfully creating and nurturing this writing space, you reinforce to your subconscious mind, “This is where I create.” The consistency of place and routine feeds your mind’s ability to access creativity effortlessly, helping you cultivate a natural flow and enhance your writing potential.

Trust in the Subconscious: The Source of Creativity

The subconscious mind works constantly, even when we are not actively thinking about a project. Trusting it can unlock incredible creativity. Ever noticed how your best ideas often come when you’re not even trying to think about them? That’s the subconscious working in the background, quietly solving problems and creating connections. Many writers have “aha!” moments while in the shower or during a walk because the subconscious has had a chance to weave together ideas without interruption. Lean into this strength and let your subconscious work its magic, especially when you’re feeling stuck.

Practice Visualization to Strengthen Writing Style

One of the core principles discussed in The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is visualization. In writing, visualization is not only about imagining scenes; it’s about picturing yourself mastering your craft. Spend a few minutes each day envisioning yourself writing fluently, crafting stories that resonate deeply. This simple practice boosts confidence and helps develop a unique writing style. Dr. Murphy emphasized that what we visualize is what we bring to life. The more you “see” yourself as a skilled, impactful writer, the more you condition your subconscious mind to make that vision a reality.

Develop Consistency through Writing Principles

Writers often rely on set principles to stay consistent and motivated. These principles—like daily writing habits, setting goals, and dedicating time to read and revise—are more than routines; they are signals to the subconscious mind. By maintaining consistent writing practices, you instill the belief that writing is integral to your life. Over time, your subconscious will begin to anticipate and support this rhythm, generating ideas, refining your writing style, and keeping you motivated. Consistency transforms your craft from a hobby to a habit, one that your subconscious mind reinforces every day.

Conclusion

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind opens up an understanding of the mind that can transform your life and work. By focusing on the power of words, creating a dedicated writing space, trusting in your subconscious for creativity, practicing visualization, and building a rhythm through writing principles, you can unleash the full potential of your mind in your writing journey. Embrace these lessons to deepen not only your writing but also your relationship with your inner self, making every word and every story an expression of your truest potential.

FAQs

How does the subconscious mind influence the creative writing process? 

The subconscious mind stores memories, experiences, and knowledge that may not be actively in our awareness but can still influence our thoughts and ideas. In creative writing, tapping into the subconscious can help writers discover new ideas, deepen character development, and make surprising connections in their storytelling. Through relaxation, visualization, or even letting go of a problem temporarily, writers allow their subconscious to surface new insights and creative solutions.

Can I use my subconscious to overcome writer’s block? 

Yes! Writer’s block often stems from anxiety, self-doubt, or perfectionism, all of which are stored in the subconscious. Practicing positive affirmations, visualizing a smooth writing process, and giving yourself permission to write imperfectly are ways to reprogram the subconscious to support rather than hinder creativity. This can help overcome mental barriers and foster a more open, relaxed writing state.

Why is having a dedicated writing space important for the subconscious? 

A dedicated writing space acts as a cue for your subconscious mind, signaling that it’s time to focus on writing. Over time, this space helps condition your mind to enter a creative flow more easily. This familiarity and focus make it easier to immerse yourself in your work without distractions, as the subconscious begins to associate that area with creativity and productivity.

How can visualization improve my writing skills? 

Visualization is a mental rehearsal technique that helps condition your subconscious mind to believe in a specific outcome. By regularly visualizing yourself as a skilled, fluent writer, you reinforce a sense of confidence and clarity, which the subconscious mind adopts over time. This technique not only boosts self-assurance but also makes it easier to access a productive mindset and adopt a consistent writing routine.

What are some affirmations to encourage writing creativity? 

Affirmations help redirect the subconscious mind toward positive beliefs and motivation. Here are a few affirmations to try:

• “My words flow freely, and creativity comes easily to me.”
• “I am a dedicated and inspired writer.”
• “My writing brings joy and clarity to myself and others.”
• “Every day, my writing skills improve and evolve.”
• “I trust my subconscious to guide me to the right words and ideas.”

Can reading certain types of content benefit my subconscious as a writer? 

Yes, reading positive, well-crafted, and inspiring material helps feed your subconscious with quality language, creativity, and ideas. Exposure to different writing styles, genres, and high-quality literature enriches the subconscious, which in turn can improve your writing skills, expand your vocabulary, and enhance your ability to articulate complex thoughts.

How long does it take to see results from subconscious exercises in writing? 

Results vary depending on the individual and the practices used, but with consistent visualization, positive affirmations, and a regular writing habit, writers often begin noticing improvements within a few weeks. The key is persistence and trust in the process, allowing the subconscious to gradually integrate these practices into your writing approach.

Can meditation help access the subconscious for better writing? 

Absolutely. Meditation quiets the conscious mind and allows you to access the deeper levels of the subconscious, which can be highly beneficial for writers. Regular meditation can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and make it easier to tap into a creative flow state, providing clarity and enhancing the natural flow of ideas and expression.