What is a Cause Mindset? and Why is it Good for your Mental Health?

When people come for counselling, coaching and hypnotherapy it is essential that they are in a cause mindset. If they are not, then one of the tasks I have is to help them change into one. So, what do I mean by a cause mindset?

The two different mindsets that have the greatest effect on how we view ourselves and the world around us are when we are at cause, or at effect.

Effect Mindset

This is when we see ourselves as being totally affected by forces outside of us. We believe that we are simply affected by the circumstances or attitudes of society and the people around us. Things happen to us, and we have no control. Things ‘make’ us angry or sad. We are stuck in awful situations where we believe that we have no power to do anything.

If you are in an effect mindset, then you have given your power away. You have given it to other people, or to the environment and circumstances. You believe that you are a helpless victim. You therefore blame others for yourself and what happens to you. You do not take responsibility for yourself, your actions, your choices, and your life.

People who have experienced trauma can often have an effect mindset, as the trauma has taken their power away. It has made them a victim.

People who have depression also usually have an effect mindset, as depression often involves feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. 

Those people who use manipulation on others often also have an effect mindset. They often refuse to take responsibility for themselves and manipulate others into taking responsibility for them.

Cause Mindset

This is when you recognise that you are in charge of your own life. You are responsible for what happens to you. You make your own decisions and actions. You realise that you have the power to change things. This mindset is very empowering.

When you move into a cause mindset you take back your power and realise that you are capable of taking charge and changing things in your life. Only you can deal with your anxiety or make you happier. You are responsible for your own mental health. An affirmation that I often use is:

If it is to be, it is up to me

If things are not going well in your life, take the step to change them. Find that new job. Start that exercise class. Move house. Take control of your finances. Meet up with friends. Do fun stuff. Tell your partner you don’t like how they are behaving. Stop moaning and start doing.

Only you can make your life wonderful. Only you are responsible for your own thoughts, emotions, behaviour and words. Only you can change them.

This may be a scary step, but it is the best step you will ever make. Take back your power. Take responsibility for yourself.

Equally, a cause mindset recognises that you are not responsible for how other people think, feel, behave or say. You have an impact on them, but you are not responsible (except of course if you have responsibility for the care of someone). Everybody is responsible for themselves. This means that you will not be manipulated as much by others.

For more information, or just a chat, please contact me on 07742 209312 or nicole@greenoaktherapies.co.uk