The Mud Puddle of Awareness: How Focusing on What You Don't Want Keeps You Stuck

I've always been a proponent of awareness being the first step toward change. But lately, I've realised there's a crucial distinction to make: awareness of what?

When we find ourselves in undesirable circumstances, awareness is undoubtedly necessary. We need to acknowledge our situation before we can even attempt to change it. However, there are two types of awareness we can cultivate, and only one truly propels us forward.

The Mud Puddle of Awareness

The first type of awareness is focused on the situation itself. We examine the mud puddle we're stuck in, analysing how and why we ended up there. While this might be a helpful initial step, it's easy to get stuck in the muck of overanalysis. I know people who have spent years dissecting their problems without making any real progress.

The Greener Grass Beyond

The second type of awareness – and the one that truly matters – is awareness of the space outside the puddle. It's the understanding that there is another way, a different path we'd like to take, a new experience we'd like to have. This awareness is what motivates us to step out of our current situation.

Think of it this way: If you're struggling with trauma, illness, or a toxic relationship, you can be fully aware of your situation and its origins. But until you believe you have the choice to step out of it, nothing will truly change.

Shifting Your Focus

It's the ability to envision a life beyond our current circumstances that empowers us to move forward. It's the willingness to see ourselves living without the trauma, the disease, the toxic partner. This vision allows us to step out of the mud puddle onto greener grass, into a whole new paradigm.

We need to give ourselves permission to stop dwelling on what's limiting us. Instead, we must focus on what, who, and where we want to be. Focusing on the situation we want to escape only keeps our attention – and our energy – trapped there.

When we focus on the life we desire, our subconscious energy naturally aligns with that goal, making it more likely to manifest. It's like riding a bike: if you focus on the rock you want to avoid, you'll probably hit it. But if you focus on the clear path between the rocks, you'll glide through effortlessly.