What if your state of mind was not something that happened to you, but something you could consciously choose? In this episode of Mindset Is Art, CJ explores one of the most liberating mindset principles: you may not be able to control the weather, the market, your partner’s mood, or the circumstances around you, but you can learn to choose your internal state. Building from the core idea in Tune Your Mind — “How you show up mentally matters” — this episode breaks down a practical protocol for shifting out of reactive emotional patterns and into a more intentional, optimal state of mind. This is not just a pep talk. It is a repeatable mindset practice you can use before a meeting, workout, conversation, creative session, performance, or any moment where how you show up matters. In This Episode CJ walks through: Why most people live in reaction instead of conscious state selectionHow your thoughts, feelings, posture, breath, and behavior create feedback loopsWhy asking “What is the optimal state of mind for what I’m doing?” can interrupt old patternsA six-step protocol for shifting your emotional and mental stateHow visualization helps embody a higher-performance version of yourselfHow scent can be used as an olfactory anchor for peak statesWhy language matters, especially the way you use “I am”A simple daily practice to train your mind and body to access better states more consistentlyThe Core Question The central tool from this episode is simple: What is the optimal state of mind for what I’m doing right now? That one question creates space between stimulus and response. It allows you to pause, assess, and intentionally move toward the emotional state that best serves the moment. The Six-Step State Shift Protocol Feel exactly what you feel. Notice the emotion without judging it. Where does it show up in your body? Is it in your throat, chest, gut, face, or somewhere else?Analyze the circumstance. Ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish in this moment.Ask if your current state is serving the goal. Does your current emotional state feel like the best state for what you are trying to do?Identify the optimal state. Ask: What would I be thinking, feeling, and embodying if I were showing up at my highest level?Locate and amplify that energy. Where does that desired state live in your body? What color, texture, or feeling does it have?Visualize and execute. See yourself moving through the situation with that energy, then return to the present moment and act from that state.Mindset Tool of the Day For the next seven days, pause once per day and ask: What is the optimal state of mind for what I’m doing right now? Then take a moment to feel that state in your body, visualize yourself acting from it, and carry that energy into the next action. With repetition, this becomes easier. Your mind and body begin to recognize the state, reproduce it, and access it more naturally. Key Takeaways Your emotional state is not fixed. It is trainable. Your thoughts, body, breath, posture, language, and visualization all influence the state you live from. The better your state, the better your performance — but even more importantly, the better your experience of life. The deeper question is not just, “How do I perform better?” It is: How do I want to feel while I live my life? Mentioned In This Episode Tune Your Mind by CJ LedyViktor Frankl’s concept of the space between stimulus and responseMarcus Aurelius on power over the mindOlfactory anchoringIdentity-level language and the power of “I am”Call to Action If this episode was useful, leave a rating or review, share it with someone who would benefit from it, and learn more about CJ’s coaching, book, and mindset tools at: cjledy.com It is a beautiful time to be alive. Thanks for going to MIA with me today. Resources: Book: Tune Your Mind (CLICK FOR AMAZON LINK)AudioBook: Tune Your Mind - Finding Follow Through and Fulfillment in the Dawn of Distraction and DisruptionWebsite: CJLedy.comInstagram: Mindset Is ArtSpeech: LIVIN Festival Keynote (Mental Health Awareness)Free Giveaways: Tune Your Mind Worksheets2025 Goal Tracking Document for Goal Check-insIs Your Mind in Tune? State of Mind Sound CheckFREE E-Book GIVEAWAY if you complete the State of Mind Sound Check!Send us Fan Mail
