113: The Four Stages of Mindset

In this episode of The Transformation Show, Justin and Janell dive into the Four Stages of Mindset, a powerful framework for personal growth and awareness. This concept, originally introduced by their coach David Bayer and revisited in their recent coaching sessions, serves as a practical guide for understanding how our mindset evolves over time. Justin and Janell provide real-life examples and share personal stories to help you reflect on your own mindset and journey toward greater self-awareness and empowerment.

Key Takeaways:

• Repetition is Key: Growth comes through revisiting concepts, lessons, and teachings multiple times. As Justin points out, learning happens through repetition, and applying the lessons you've learned can lead to deeper understanding and transformation.
• The Four Stages of Mindset:
  1. Asleep: Spending over 6 hours a day in "suffering" states, often characterized by limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and seeing the world as hostile. People in this stage tend to feel powerless and reactive.
  2. Aware: Spending 1-6 hours in suffering, individuals in this stage are starting to become aware of their mindset and reactions. While still reactive, there is an emerging understanding of triggers and limiting beliefs.
  3. Awake: Spending less than 1 hour in suffering, those in this stage are much more responsive than reactive. They take responsibility for their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and are more likely to live in a beautiful state of possibility.
  4. Phenomenon: The ultimate stage, where suffering is virtually nonexistent. People in this stage live in total possibility, with no perceived limitations, fully aligned with life’s systems and how the world works.

Practical Insights:

• Mindset Shifts Are Not Linear: The process of moving between these stages is not straightforward or consistent. Justin and Janell stress that you'll move back and forth between these stages, sometimes even in the same day. External circumstances, like stressful events, can temporarily push you back into earlier stages.
• Triggers and Reactions: Much of the discussion focuses on how triggers activate limiting beliefs, which lead to reactive states. Janell shares a personal story about how awareness of her and Justin’s triggers helped them navigate a moment of tension calmly, showing the value of self-awareness and empathy in relationships.
• The Power of Awareness: As you move into the aware stage, you begin to recognize your triggers, which is the first step in changing your reactions. Even though it can be exhausting to vacillate between suffering and powerful states, awareness gives you the opportunity to take control.

Strategies for Growth:

• Personal Responsibility: Taking ownership of your beliefs, thoughts, and actions is crucial for moving from reactive (primal) states to responsive (powerful) states.
• Learning Through Repetition: Like fitness, mindset work requires ongoing practice and repetition. Justin and Janell emphasize that learning is not a “one and done” process—it takes continuous effort to solidify these mindset shifts.
• Life is Always Working for You: One key belief in the awake stage is understanding that life is always working in your favor, even when it doesn’t seem like it. This shift in perspective is fundamental to living in a beautiful state.

Reflection Questions:

• Which stage of mindset do you currently spend the most time in?
• How can you move from reactive to responsive behavior in your daily life?
• What limiting beliefs or triggers are holding you back from living in a beautiful state?

Final Thoughts: Justin and Janell close the episode by encouraging listeners to be kind to themselves throughout this journey of personal growth. No matter where you are, the key is to maintain curiosity and keep asking yourself, "Who do I need to be to live in a higher state of mindset?"

Call to Action: Take an inventory of your daily mindset and reflect on which stage you’re in most often. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Transformation Show for more valuable insights and practical advice to help you transform your life and mindset.