Are you feeling overwhelmed by that constant chatter in your mind? Trust me, I’ve been there too.

As a mom of two, running three businesses, and homeschooling, I know how easy it is to get stuck in our heads.

Today, we’re diving into how to take control of that noisy brain of yours and start living the life you’ve been dreaming of. Buckle up, because this is gonna be good!

Your Brain’s Secret Weapon: The RAS System

Okay, so get this – you’ve got this super cool personal assistant in your brain called the Reticular Activating System (RAS). I know, fancy name, right? But here’s the deal:

• It’s like your brain’s bouncer, deciding what info gets VIP access to your conscious mind
• It filters out 99% of what’s going on around you (thank goodness, or we’d all go crazy!)
• The best part? You can train it to focus on the good stuff!

Isn’t that wild? It’s like having a superpower you didn’t even know about! And here’s the kicker – what you focus on is what your RAS brings to your attention. So if you’re always thinking about how stressed and overwhelmed you are, guess what? You’re going to notice more things to be stressed about!

But flip that script, and you can change your whole world.

Start focusing on the positive, on what’s going right in your life, and watch how your RAS starts showing you more and more good things. It’s like magic, I swear!

Breaking Free from the People-Pleasing Trap

Alright, mama, let’s talk about something I know we all struggle with – people-pleasing.

Here’s the thing:

• When we’re always putting others first, we’re basically abandoning ourselves
• It’s like trying to pour from an empty cup – it just doesn’t work!
• Setting boundaries isn’t being mean, it’s being smart and taking care of YOU

Remember, you can’t show up as your best self for your family if you’re constantly exhausted from trying to please everyone else.

I had a student in my coaching program who was always rushing to respond to client emails, even if it meant sacrificing her family time.

Sound familiar?

We worked on setting clear boundaries and communicating them effectively. Now she’s able to be fully present with her kids AND provide great service to her clients. It’s a win-win!

Become Your Own Biggest Cheerleader

I’ve been reading this amazing book called “The High Five Habit” by Mel Robbins, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!

Here’s the scoop:

• Start your day by giving yourself a high five in the mirror (I know, it feels silly at first, but trust me on this!)
• Challenge those negative thoughts that have been holding you back
• Actively look for the positive in your life – it’s there, I promise!

It’s all about retraining that RAS system we talked about earlier.

The more you focus on the good stuff, the more your brain will start noticing it everywhere!

I’ve started doing this high five thing every morning, and you know what? It’s actually working! I feel more confident, more ready to tackle the day. And when I catch my reflection throughout the day, I give myself a little mental high five. It’s like having a personal cheerleader with you 24/7!

Flip the Script on Negativity

Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. But here’s how we can handle those tough moments:

1. Acknowledge that it’s hard (because, we’re human!)
2. Look for the silver lining or the lesson (there’s always one, even if it’s not obvious at first)
3. Take action to solve the problem (you’ve got this, mama!)
4. Give yourself a pat on the back for handling it like a boss

Remember that gross example I shared about my dog throwing up? Instead of letting it ruin my day, I chose to focus on how quickly I could handle it and how much joy our pup brings to our family. It’s all about perspective!

And you know what? This works for bigger issues too. When my daughter was struggling with anxiety at night, we started working on reframing her thoughts. Instead of focusing on all the “what ifs,” we practiced finding things to be grateful for and looking forward to. It’s a process, but it’s making a real difference.

Practical Tips for Mastering Your Mind

Here are some of my favorite tricks for keeping my mind in check:

• When a negative thought pops up, literally say out loud, “I’m not thinking about that” (works wonders, I promise!)
• Focus on solutions instead of problems (it’s a total game-changer)
• Practice gratitude daily (even for the small stuff – like that first sip of coffee in the morning, am I right?)
• Surround yourself with positive people and content (goodbye, negative Nancy!)
• Start your day with intention – I love my morning routine of prayer, journaling, and setting my priorities for the day

And here’s a bonus tip: Create a Positivity Playlist!

Fill it with songs that pump you up and make you feel like you can conquer the world. Pop it on when you’re feeling down or need an energy boost. Music has an incredible way of shifting our mood and mindset.

Making It Work in Real Life

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Ashley, this all sounds great, but how do I actually make it work in my crazy busy life?” I hear you, mama.

Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Start small – pick one technique and focus on that for a week
• Use transitions in your day as reminders (like every time you get in the car, practice gratitude)
• Get your family involved – make it a game to spot the positive things in your day
• Be patient with yourself – this is a practice, not perfection

Remember, every little step counts. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight.

Small, consistent changes add up to big results over time.

I know this mindset stuff can feel overwhelming, but here’s the truth: you have the power to change your life by changing your thoughts. It’s not always easy, but it is so worth it.

Start small, be consistent, and watch how your inner landscape transforms.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What resonated most from today’s post? Share a screenshot on Instagram and tag me @thepurposegathering – let’s spread this positivity far and wide!

Until next time, keep shining that beautiful light of yours. You’re doing amazing things, even when you don’t realize it. And remember, a positive mind leads to a positive life.

Thank you for spending part of your day with me.

And as always, mama, I am here rooting for you and you are not alone on this journey.

Complimentary Episodes:

1. Ep 187. Get Out Of Your Head + Start Living Your Life with Carla Reeves
2. Ep 186. Unlocking Your Potential from Playing Small to Dreaming Big
3. Ep 184. Navigating the All In or Burn it Down Mentality
4. Browse All Mindset Related Episodes

Resources:

1. Join the Profit Shift Challenge – 14 Day challenge to to Optimize Your Limited Time & Maximize your Revenue as a Mompreneur 
2. Need support managing your time well and creating systems to streamline your Photography Business? Join the Efficient Mompreneur (12 Month Group Coaching Program)
3. Message me on Voxer (My username is afreehan)
4. Have a question for me? Or a specific struggle you’re dealing with? I’ll address your question on the podcast. Submit your ‘Ask Ashley’ question here
5. Local to Gilbert/Mesa Arizona (For Mom Business Owners) Join our in person membership community