Priming: Programming the Mind for Habit Change and Success

Chapters and Selected Subsections

Chapter 1: Priming: Why Did I Do That?

The Hidden Guidance System that Influences Everyone

The Ultimate Goal: Automaticity

Chapter 2: Priming: Necessary Details

This Book Is About Words

What Happens in the Brain When You are Primed?

What Factors Influence the Effects of Priming?

Can I Prime Myself and Use It for Self-improvement?

Which Behaviors Can Become Automated?

Chapter 3: Ironic Process: The Mind Cannot Avoid, The Mind Can Only Attend

Let’s Play Mind Games

Chapter 4: The Mind Has Minds of Its Own: The Conscious, Subconscious, & Unconscious Minds

Just How Much Capacity Does Our Brain Have?

The Conscious Mind

The Subconscious Mind

The Unconscious Mind

Chapter 5: The Decisive Factor: The Dominant Thought

Dominant Thoughts, Habits, and Self-Control

Chapter 6: Using Dominant Thought Theory to Change Your Life: The Four Steps

Recent Habit Acquisition Research

Neuroplasticity: How Long Does It Take to Change Brain Structure

Chapter 7: What to Expect: The Demons You Must Conquer and the Help Your Mind Provides

Demons 1, 2, & 3

The Positive: Your Mind Will Deliver Better Dominant Thoughts

The Results: Subtle Urges and Intuitive Nudges

Chapter 8: More Things You Should Understand About Mental Programming

Why and How Does Mental Programming Work?

Brain Plasticity and the New Neural Science

Willpower Versus Mental Programming: Partnering with the Subconscious

Sabotaging Your Own Change

The Idea That Change Should Happen Quickly, Sometimes Referred to as Failure

Positive Thinking, Affirmations, and Mental Programming: They are Not the Same

Chapter 9: Using Dominant Thought Theory in Psychotherapy: Applications for Mental Health

Back To Basics: The Therapeutic Conversation

Enhanced Empathic Responding

How to Talk Positive to a Negative Person without Them Knowing It

Goal Setting

Using Dominant Thoughts to Manage the “I don’t know…” Response

Direct Application as a Technique

Chapter 10: Concluding Thoughts and Previous Contributions

Chapter 11: Implanting New Programming for Specific Habits

Creating Realistic Dominant Thoughts

Mental Programming for Healthy Eating

Exercise

Breathing Clear Air

Fingernail Biting

Being on Time

Getting Things Done

Getting Organized

Building Savings and Wealth

Writing a Paper, Book, Thesis, Dissertation, Etc.

Moving Away from Worry, Anxiety, Stress

Test Taking

Contentment and Self-Esteem

Public Speaking

Sports Programming

Finding Your Life’s Direction

Tips on Talking to Children

Stop trying to break your bad habits with the agony of raw willpower. Welcome to the world of priming and dominant thoughts where you will learn what really controls your behavior and how to use this knowledge to reprogram your mind-computer in the most convenient and efficient way possible. Research has confirmed that we are controlled by an unconscious guidance system much more than ever before conceived. This book will teach you how to harness the power of that same guidance system and how to mold yourself into the person you want to be. Chapters Below.

For over 20 years Dr. Mitchell has trained thousands on how the mind works and how to get it working for them. Now, for the first time, his no-fluff, straightforward 4-Step formula for mental programming is offered to everyone. Far beyond the mumbo jumbo world of affirmations and positive thinking, Dr. Mitchell presents a hard-core, scientifically-based system that teaches you how to recruit and partner with your subconscious to eliminate any habit and create effective, success-advancing behaviors for life.

I highly recommend this book…A book everyone should read if there is anything in your life you'd like to change or improve on. It is written with a tone that is comfortable and easy to read. Even if you don't feel like you want to change anything this book helps you understand WHY we do the things we do and how we are influenced every day. Scot Price Dr. Mitchell's new book on Priming is a must read! After reading this book, I purchased multiple copies for select clients, friends and family. Dr. Mitchell provides a detailed explanation in conversational terms about how the mind works. He teaches clearly how to harness the power of the mind for change versus falling victim to our often runaway, doomed to fail erroneous thinking. The book looks at the power of words and language in influencing our self-talk and ultimate success in changing anything undesirable in our lives. This book is a game changer. If you have ever heard Dr. Mitchell speak, you will not be disappointed. He tackles the subject with great expertise and humor leaving the reader confidently looking forward to practicing with broader knowledge and skills. LCSW

Great read. This book offers practical, applicable advice on how to create lasting behavior changes within ourselves. The author delivers the information (and the science behind it) in a fun and easy-to-read way. It's a great reminder of how our thoughts shape our behaviors, our behaviors become our habits, and our habits shape our lives. This book has inspired me to reprogram some long-ingrained habits within my own life. As a counselor, it has also helped me understand how to best help my clients implement behavior changes within their lives. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reprogramming their mind for positive behavior change!

Dr. Mitchell is a master of the precise use of language to influence change. Dr. Mitchell's first book about dealing with resistance in the counseling relationship is probably my most useful professional text. The gist of Priming is that you program your mind in such a way that your new behavior eventually becomes automatic, somewhat like brushing your teeth. This is all done via his 4-Step method using the dominant thought. Dr. Mitchell includes just enough research reference material to support his methods while keeping the text flowing. He also strengthens learning with repetition that isn't tedious. I am about three weeks into using the 4-step method to change one of my own habits and I am noticing progress. I strongly recommend this book and encourage you to learn about the concept of the dominant thought. Oh, and for helping professionals, please do yourself a favor and get a copy of Dr. Mitchell's resistance book. Phil G.

If only I had had the benefit of the wisdom of this book decades ago! This is a linguistic joy to read - every single page reminds one of the power of using words as the tools they are meant to be and how their invocation can positively manifest in the present tense. After reading this book, I was able to maintain a 55-pound weight loss by repeating, "I am choosing to honor my body today." Words and phrases matter, but as Dr. Mitchell points out, they need to be the right words to be truly effective. I cannot think of anyone who would not benefit from this. You can pick it up and read a few lines anywhere, anytime, and it will reset the clock for self-reflection and intentional living. MRB

“The next best thing to being taught personally by Dr. Mitchell, is being able to absorb his wise counsel through his writings—his latest book is a prime example!” Scott D. Miller, Ph.D., Director, International Center for Clinical Excellence

“Do you need to remediate a past habit? Do you wish to maintain current success? Do you have a desire to increase your competence? Whether you wish to apply these ideas to your social or family relationships or whether you are interested in improving your work habits, this book is for you. Dr. Mitchell continues to blaze new trails through the jungle we call life. If you have encountered a pathway with many or even a few unexpected threats, you will benefit from this book. This book provides tools for coping and for achieving a happier life.” Robert E. Wubbolding, Ed.D., Director, Center for Reality Therapy