Following up on my post about “frustration,” I’d like to introduce my concept of “Mind Games.”

In Neuro-Linguistic Programming, there is a concept known as “re-framing.” This is a fancy term which merely means putting a different spin on a situation.  It’s the “half-empty, half-full” principle.

In playing “mind games,” there are a lot of “What if” questions. Often they are used to “re-frame” people’s perception of the future.

“Worry” is imagining a negative future outcome. When you face upcoming surgery, your survival instinct naturally is concerned about problems. Now, in the present moment, there is nothing you can do about any problems with the future surgery, other than following whatever medical protocol is given to you.

So, what if you completely trusted your surgeon and hospital staff to perform your surgery successfully? You wouldn’t worry! You would look forward to the process of surgery and recovery and enjoying the benefits of the surgery!

Personally, I have “re-framed” going to the hospital for whatever procedure I am to undergo as “going to the body shop!” The metaphor of “hospital” equating to “body shop” serves me in several ways: It de-personalizes the procedure, shifting it from “me,” to “my body.” I feel less “invaded” in this mind-set. I also shift the concept of “surgical procedure,” which can be a bit intimidating, to “body repair,” which is more tolerable for me.

When I go to my nephrologist, I mentally consider it going to my “inspector,” who checks me out for problems. Again, this re-frame de-personalizes doctor appointments for me.

Another use of “mind-games” is for when people ask the pathetic question, “Why is this happening to me?” Well, in many situations, you darn well know why! If a person gets lung cancer after smoking for forty years, well, there’s the answer!

However, if it’s something like having “de novo” PKD, (you have the defective gene and your parents don’t), the “why” question naturally comes up. my response is: “If you knew why, what difference would it really make? You still have to deal with your disease. So, consider the ‘reason’ as one of those ‘mysteries of life’ and place your energies into obtaining and maintaining as high a quality of life as is possible for you, instead of wasting it on seeking a reason which may be both unknowable and unhelpful.

Is playing these “mind-games” easy? No. It takes practice. But I think you can see the benefits of using your mind to “re-frame” what appears to be negative into at least a less threatening situation for you.

What ‘mind-games” do you play?

Keep minding your mind!1

Peace and Blessings!

Coach Richie Perl

Certified Professional Coach

Certified Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming