Breaking the Paralysis: Techniques for Action in Times of Confusion

by Dr. Bernice George (United Kingdom)

At some stage in life, we all encounter moments when the path ahead seems shrouded in fog, when decisions feel like a ‘gamble,’ and when the reflection in the mirror seems like a stranger. Whether you’re at a career crossroads, navigating the choppy waters of relationships, or grappling with life’s seismic shifts, that feeling of being stuck, lost, or confused can be paralysing. You are facing the daunting question: ‘What do I do now?’

Be assured, there’s a way through this impasse, and I will tell you why: Confusion is not a roadblock; it’s a signpost indicating that it’s time for change. It’s the mind’s way of saying, ‘Come on, let’s recalibrate.’

Are you ready to explore some powerful ‘recalibration’ tools and techniques? When you frequently follow these steps, you will understand how you think, communicate, change your behaviour, reconnect with your true self, and illuminate your path toward greater clarity and purpose.

  1. Establish your desired state

NLP teaches us to start with the end in mind. What is your desired state? To establish your desired state, you need to create a clear, vibrant, and detailed mental image of how you want to feel.

Imagine a version of reality where the current confusion has lifted. Now, engage all your senses to make the desired state feel real. What can you see around you when you are no longer confused? What are you doing differently? What does it look like? What can you hear? How do you feel? Is there a taste or smell associated with this state? What are you touching or holding?

This is not about setting specific goals just yet; it’s about identifying the emotional and psychological state you wish to achieve. Connect with and focus on the emotions you’re experiencing in the desired state.

Are you feeling confident, connected, purposeful, peaceful, excited, or empowered? Hold that state in your mind and let these feelings wash over you.

Neuropsychology supports the practice of imagining preferred states in vivid detail. This process creates and reinforces strong neuronal pathways in the brain, activating communication between the conscious and unconscious mind. Because the unconscious mind does not differentiate imagination from reality, when you repeatedly imagine something in graphic, intense detail (a life of clarity and coherence) – incorporating multiple senses- it’s as if those longer-for emotional states have already occurred.

  1. Tap into your sub-modalities

Sub-modalities are the finer specific qualities of our thoughts – essentially, how we perceive and internally represent experiences in our mind: For example, brightness, colour, distance, volume, and temperature. Let’s identify the sub-modalities of ‘confusion.’

When you are feeling confused, notice the mental picture or movie that comes to mind. Is it clear or fuzzy? Close or far away? Still or moving? Loud or soft? Harmonious or discordant? Are there any physical sensations that accompany your confusion, like tightness in the chest or a knot in the stomach?

Now, begin to adjust these sub-modalities to change how you feel about the confusion. If the image of confusion is close and large, mentally push it away and shrink it down. If it’s loud, turn the volume down or change it to a more pleasant sound. If there is a physical sensation, imagine it easing and dissipating. By making the ‘confusion’ distant, quieter, or dimmer, you help shift your emotional response.

Source: iCN Issue 46  (Group & Team Coaching); pages 27-31

About Dr Bernice George

Dr Bernice George is a Psychologist, Counsellor, and certified Personal Performance Coach, specialising in identity coaching. She is dedicated to ethically guiding individuals who feel stuck, confused, discontented, and disconnected on their journey of self-discovery, helping them navigate the compelling question “Who Am I Becoming?”

Bernice’s immersive approach is influenced by neuropsychology, philosophy, NLP, timeline-line therapy and faith-based principles, considering everyone’s distinctive experiences, values, beliefs, passions, and goals.

Bernice understands that the process of self-discovery can be daunting, scary, and even intimidating. With decades of experience working with individuals from various backgrounds, professions, ethnicities, cultures, and stages of life (including children, young people, and adults), she remains enthused to assist individuals in greater self-awareness, adaptability, and authenticity, finding their unique path and purpose in life.

For more information visit: https://bernicegeorgecoach.com