The Zookeeper and our Mindset!

The Zookeeper and Our Mindset! – by Arnie Wohlgemut

Our mind is a wonderful thing. I believe I have only scratched the surface to understand the possibilities of the mind. I won’t pretend to have all the answers however I hope you can benefit from what I have learned.

We have 6 intellectual faculties that sometimes we use for positive thoughts and sometimes negative thoughts. They are Reason, Memory, Perception, Will, Intuition and Imagination.

Our imagination is where ideas and dreams are found and created. When we have an idea, or a dream that don’t match the results in our life, we reject it immediately. The Zookeeper mindset quickly puts it in a cage and moves it out of our minds.

Reason is the ability form positive or negative thoughts about what we want and desire. With our ability to reason, we rationalize our action or inaction. Just like a Zookeeper, out come the whips of self doubt. Thoughts like ‘who do you think you are?’ or ‘you’re not smart enough to do that!’ appear. These self limiting beliefs whip us into submission to the point where we are afraid to act.

What can be done about the Zookeeper Mindset? Fortunately, a lot!

Start by believing in yourself. You can do and become whatever you set your mind too. You must take action and control over the Zookeeper. You have all the resources needed to fulfill the dream either in you or at your disposal.

A mentor of mine says “jump and build your wings on the way down.” He goes on to point out that the Wright Brothers didn’t know how to fly until they did! Once they learned how to fly, they didn’t know how to land their plane and had to learn that too! They did however know it could be done. They believed in the idea and believed in themselves.

Secondly, surround yourself with positive encouraging people. Build your inner circle with people who can help and encourage you achieve your dream. They are people who believe in you! They see something in you that you don’t yet see in yourself.

I know these ideas sounds too easy, however we can use the intellectual facility of will. Will gives us the ability to focus only on an idea and exclude everything else. Will helps us build new habits. Will helps us create new beliefs about our self-image and our self-esteem.

As you reach the point where many of your resolutions are cast aside or abandoned, I encourage you, as I encourage myself to stay the course. Take action, control the Zookeeper.