Avoid Mixed Association

Dealing with people, problem-solving, and other cognitive tasks require us to use our conscious mind with concentration.

However, when it comes to concepts like Connecting the Dots, Creativity, Empathy, Innovation, etc., it goes beyond our conscious mind into the realm of our subconscious mind E.g., that spark of a “Eureka” idea when in the shower is the play of our subconscious mind.

According to some scientific models, 1/8th of our mind is the Conscious mind, while 7/8th is the subconscious mind. If our conscious and subconscious minds are aligned and operate in tandem, we experience great results at whatever we pursue. However, if they work at cross purposes, we struggle. When our conscious and subconscious minds operate at cross purposes, we call it a mixed association.

What is a mixed association?

You have a desire for something, but inside your head, you have some limiting self-narratives that are contrary to your desire. E.g.

• You have a strong desire to become the Head of the Business. But you have some fears and doubts about your readiness to take on that role. 
• You want to become a better public speaker, and you are taking some training to be better at it. But inside your head, there is a voice telling you that you are not good enough.
• You want to undertake a new initiative or a project. But, deep down, you feel that you cannot commit the time necessary for the project’s success. 

When you have a Mixed Association, whatever you may say consciously, it does not matter. Your subconscious wiring is not supporting your conscious desire. Imagine that your mind metaphorically is a factory with eight workers. One worker ( your conscious mind) is working relentlessly for the growth, development, and productivity of the factory while the other seven workers(Your Subconscious mind) are sitting idly and doing nothing. The one worker is carrying the big load while seven workers are not working for you.

When you have a Mixed Association towards anything, it creates inertia, indecisiveness, and procrastination. This robs you of momentum and impetus.

Either you commit yourself fully, or you don’t.

For the subconscious mind, there is no hedging the bets, cat on the wall scenarios. No one outside may know. But inevitably, you will sabotage yourself as 7/8th of your mind is not working for you.

If you have been desiring something for some time but it’s not working out, it may have something to do with your mixed associations. Unless you correct the bug, you will continue struggling.

Commit yourself fully to whatever you desire.