The good kind of brainwashing

For most people, the word brainwashing carries a negative connotation. That makes sense, since in most cases people are getting brainwashed to do something that is not in their best interest.

Ads and television commercials come to mind. We got thoroughly brainwashed into thinking that soda and fast food are good for our daily diet (many are still brainwashed into thinking this).

Dessert is okay with every meal, and ice cream is supposed to be eaten on hot summer days.

We need material possessions to complete us, and to become happy.

It’s totally the government’s fault (not yours or mine).

What else can you think of?

On the other hand, there’s the positive type of brainwashing, and there is a good kind of brainwashing. That’s when it’s working in your favor. I’ve been practicing this kind of brainwashing on myself for close to three years now.

What does it look like?

Well, it entails reading, listening and watching (YouTube) videos of people waaaaay smarter than me. Constantly, and all the time. Even re-watching and listening to people that have nearly the same point of views (think Gary Vaynerchuk and Tai Lopez).

To some, it might get boring and repetitive. You might even think that you got it after reading it the first time. That is, definitely, not the case though. If you did get it, then you would be doing it. Are you doing that habit you read about today? The habit Seth Godin talked about, or the one mentioned in Tim Ferriss‘s new book? If the answer is no, then you didn’t get it.

I realized, just how I got brainwashed into thinking that fast food for every meal was okay for many years of my life, I needed to brainwash myself into implementing positive life habits. Reading, exercising, eating healthy, practicing gratitude, being social, pushing myself and working hard.

I can, definitely, say that some of the brainwashing is beginning to work. I’m far from my potential but I can see some of the brainwashing doing its job (I still need more).

Ask yourself, what kind of brainwashing are you taking part in? Is it in your best interest or against you? Because, you are being brainwashed whether you want to admit it or not. We all are.