Welcome back to my blog, where I share the strategies and tools that changed my life, and can help you change yours.

If you’ve read my previous post on neuro-associative conditioning, you already know how deeply our brain’s connections shape our behaviors, from the things we like, desire and enjoy, to our unconscious response to challenging situations. Today, we’re diving into a different but equally important concept: mastering your emotional state for optimal results.

What Everyone Really Wants

Let’s get real. Deep down, everyone’s chasing two things: a change in how they feel (from less than ideal to closer to bliss) or a shift in their behavior (finally stop drinking soda). Whether it’s moving from frustration to confidence or transforming a dull routine into something exhilarating, it’s all about getting out of the emotional place we are in, and stepping into the one we desire.

Most of us want to alter our behavior because we believe it’ll lead to better results, and will make us feel better. We want to stop smoking, hit the gym, or crush personal goals, not just for the sake of doing it, but because we’re after a feeling—whether it’s joy, relief, or satisfaction.

But oftentimes we act or react in ways that produce subpar results, and it’s easy to spiral into a negative feedback loop that will deteriorate our life in many, and all, levels. To avoid this common, yet ignored, trap of the human experience, we need to learn how to use our body as a tool. Enter emotional states.

The Power of Emotional States

Imagine waking up to a less than ideal text. I’ve been there, and I go about the day like an uphill walk. Getting ready takes longer, traffic is worse than ever, and the guy cutting me off gives me the perfect excuse to go berserk. The day keeps getting harder, and I resonate with “when it rains, it pours”. WTF.

But what if, instead of “negative” news, the text contains something positive? Getting ready is exciting, I say hi to the neighbor, traffic is an opportunity to listen to that instructional audio, and life seems to be happening for me, not to me.

Same event (receiving a text), same person (me, or you), but polar opposite results. What gives?

Our actions are like puppets on strings, controlled by the state we’re in. When we’re feeling frustrated or anxious, our behavior will reflect that. But flip the script, and when we’re energized or confident, our actions can be powerful and unstoppable.

So how do you turn this knowledge into action? By mastering your emotional states. You can shift from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to vibrant and purposeful, changing the way you feel, perceive the world, and react to it. And we all know that our actions carry consequences with them, so why not set ourselves up for success from the get-go?

One way to instantly change the way you feel and behave is physiology. You can’t feel angry or sad if you are smiling or jumping, just like you can’t feel happy or fulfilled with a frown, clenched eyebrows and your chin glued to your chest.

But maybe you did get that crappy text, and you’re feeling down right before a presentation in front of “the board”. Wouldn’t you benefit from feeling confident, assertive, and sharp? I bet you do, and to go from “beaten” to “unstoppable”, all you need is a small change.

The Art of Using Physiology to Change Your State

• Move Differently: Ever noticed how your posture can affect your mood? Try striking a powerful pose, like a superhero, and feel how it shifts your energy. Move with intention, speak with conviction, and see the difference it makes.

• Breathe Deeply: Your breath is like a remote control for your emotional state. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing can uplift your mood and energize your spirit. Try taking slow, deep breaths and notice how your mental state transforms. This is also a quick pattern-interrupt for panic attacks, anxiety and decision overwhelm.

• Change Your Facial Expression: A smile, even a forced one, can make you feel better. Experiment with your expressions and see how they impact your emotions. A simple shift in your face can lead to a significant change in how you feel. If you don’t believe me, see what happens by frowning at a cop.

• Fuel Your Body Right: The food you eat affects how you feel. Opt for energy-boosting, natural foods to keep your state vibrant. Avoiding processed junk can keep your energy levels steady and your mood positive. It will also spare you from poking new holes on your belt.

From actors to olympic athletes, the ability to change your state at will can make the difference between a superb performance or being lost in oblivion. The importance of mastering the way you feel and use your body can not be understated. Lose your cool with your boss or spouse and you can kiss them goodbye. Alternatively, keep yourself calm under exigent circumstances, and you can become the one everyone looks up to, including yourself.

Exercise: Becoming a Master of Your State

Here’s a little experiment to help you harness the power of your physiology:

• Find a Partner: Grab a friend or colleague and dive into this exercise together.

• Play with Passion: Talk about something you’re usually excited about in a flat, uninspiring way. Note how your posture, voice, and gestures change. Then, switch gears and discuss the same topic with all the enthusiasm and energy you can muster. Observe how you use your body, face, and voice, and compare the differences with your partner.

• Capture the Difference: Record the specific changes in how you move, breathe, and express yourself. These are your “pattern triggers”. Recognizing the ones that lead to negative behavior will give you a chance to act differently, while using the ones that inspire positive change will snap you into whatever state you need.

• Experiment Daily: When you find yourself feeling off or stuck, use your new pattern triggers to shift your state. Notice how quickly you can turn things around.

No partner? No problem. Use a mirror and analyze yourself, play the parts, and record the results.

Embrace the Power of Change

The ability to change how you feel is not just a skill; it’s a superpower. By mastering your physiology and emotional states, you can tackle challenges with newfound vigor and live a life filled with more of what you want, and less of what you don’t.

In the next post, we’ll dive into the importance of focus and how it can further enhance your ability to achieve lasting change. Stay tuned!

Thanks for joining me on today’s post. If you found this post insightful, please share it with someone who could use a boost. Don’t forget to check out my book, "No Grail Without Dragons," for more strategies on living your best life, or explore my bespoke coaching program “30 Days to Success” and learn how you can easily achieve your goals.

Until next week!

Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat,

Victor