The human brain is a remarkable organ, capable of processing vast amounts of information, solving complex problems, and storing countless memories. But while much of our thinking happens consciously—when we’re actively making decisions or solving problems—an even more powerful force lies beneath the surface: the subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind is like the hidden engine room of your life. It influences your behaviors, decisions, emotions, and habits without your active awareness. Understanding how it works can open doors to personal growth, healing, and success.
What Is the Subconscious Mind?
The subconscious mind refers to the part of your mental processing that occurs outside of your conscious awareness. It’s where your automatic behaviors, emotional reactions, belief systems, memories, and deep-seated patterns reside.
Unlike the conscious mind—which is logical, analytical, and limited in capacity—the subconscious is vast, emotional, and non-judgmental. It doesn’t reason or question; it simply stores and executes based on past experiences, beliefs, and repetition.
Imagine an iceberg: the small tip above the water is your conscious mind, while the massive structure beneath the surface is your subconscious.
How Does the Subconscious Mind Work?
1. It Stores Every Experience
From early childhood to the present moment, the subconscious mind has recorded everything—sounds, sights, emotions, conversations, and experiences—even those you don’t remember consciously. These stored experiences shape how you see the world and yourself.
For example, if as a child you were told repeatedly that you weren’t good enough, this belief may become embedded in your subconscious, subtly influencing your self-esteem in adulthood—even if you no longer consciously believe it.
2. It Controls Automatic Behavior
Once a behavior or skill becomes routine—like brushing your teeth, driving, or typing—it shifts from the conscious to the subconscious mind. This is what allows you to perform complex tasks without thinking about them.
Habits, whether beneficial or destructive, are governed by the subconscious. That’s why changing habits can be challenging—it requires reprogramming this deeply rooted part of your mind.
3. It Influences Emotions and Reactions
Your subconscious plays a huge role in your emotional responses. For instance, if you’ve had a traumatic experience with public speaking, you might feel anxiety even before you step on stage—because your subconscious is signaling danger based on past memory.
Your emotional triggers are often rooted in the subconscious. Becoming aware of them is the first step toward managing them effectively.
4. It Operates Based on Repetition
The subconscious learns through repetition, not reasoning. That’s why affirmations, visualization, and repeated practice can be effective tools for change. If you repeatedly expose your subconscious to a new idea or belief, over time, it can accept it as true and start acting accordingly.
The Relationship Between the Conscious and Subconscious Mind
Think of your conscious mind as the goal-setter and the subconscious mind as the goal-getter. You might consciously decide you want to lose weight, get a promotion, or build confidence—but unless your subconscious beliefs align with that goal, you’ll likely face resistance.
This is why people often sabotage themselves or revert to old patterns despite their best intentions. The subconscious is powerful—and if it’s programmed with limiting beliefs or fears, it will act on them unless reprogrammed.
How the Subconscious Forms Beliefs
Your subconscious begins forming beliefs from a very young age, especially during the first 7 years of life—often referred to as the “programming phase.” During this period, children operate primarily in theta brain waves, a state similar to hypnosis, making them highly impressionable.
Beliefs formed during this time (about love, money, success, identity, etc.) can persist into adulthood and influence choices without your conscious awareness.
For example, someone who grew up in a household where money was scarce and a source of stress might develop subconscious beliefs that “money is bad” or “rich people are greedy,” making it hard to attract or manage wealth later in life.
Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind
The good news is that your subconscious mind can be reprogrammed. Here are some effective methods:
1. Affirmations
Positive affirmations, when repeated consistently, can begin to overwrite limiting beliefs. Phrases like “I am worthy,” “I am successful,” or “I deserve love” help introduce new thought patterns.
2. Visualization
Mental imagery is a powerful way to communicate with the subconscious. Visualizing your desired outcome as if it’s already real engages the emotions and can influence subconscious belief.
3. Hypnosis
Hypnosis puts you into a deeply relaxed state where the conscious mind quiets, and the subconscious becomes more open to suggestion. It’s a tool often used to change habits, reduce anxiety, or build confidence.
4. Meditation
Regular meditation helps you observe your thoughts and separate from unconscious programming. It also increases mindfulness, which brings awareness to automatic behaviors so they can be shifted.
5. Emotional Healing Techniques
Methods like EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), EMDR, or inner child work help release emotional blockages and trauma stored in the subconscious.
The Subconscious and the Law of Attraction
Many who practice the Law of Attraction emphasize the role of the subconscious mind. The idea is that your dominant thoughts and beliefs (even those you’re not aware of) send a vibration into the universe, attracting like experiences.
If your subconscious is full of fear, scarcity, or unworthiness, those beliefs can manifest externally. Shifting to a mindset of abundance and gratitude, and reprogramming your internal narrative, can lead to new opportunities and outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Your subconscious mind is not your enemy—it’s your ally. It simply acts based on what it’s been taught and exposed to. While you can’t directly control it with logic alone, you can influence it with intention, repetition, and emotion.