The author reflects on childhood experiences with backpacking trips in the Boy Scouts, emphasizing the contrasting perspectives experienced during such journeys. They argue that shifting the language used to describe challenges—from viewing them as problems to opportunities for learning—can lead to a more positive mindset and proactive behavior. This shift is exemplified by changing the phrase from 'if I get rich' to 'when I get rich,' highlighting the importance of language in shaping one's outlook and actions.

1. Time Shifting Magic

2. When I was a kid, I was in boy scouts.

3. And every summer we went on a long
backpacking trip.

4. About a week, carrying all of our stuff
on our backs.

5. Usually we would park at trailhead.

6. Then walk up a long set of
switchbacks.

7. These are trails that criss-cross up a
really steep set of mountains.

8. Then when you're on the other side,
it's like a completely different world.

9. Because the only people that you see
(which aren't very many) are people
that walked there.

10. It's fun on the way up, looking down at
the parking lot.

11. Seeing our cars getting smaller and
smaller.

12. Then when we come out on the other
side, a week or so later, it's a welcome
site.

13. After sleeping in tents, eating freeze
dried food and no showers, seeing a
bunch of parked cars, even from a long
ways off, is pretty refreshing.

14. See things from different perspectives
is useful.

15. One way easy way to do this is see
how we use language.

16. I'm sure you've heard the famous
Einstein quote about insanity.

17. Doing the same thing and expecting a
different result.

18. One way we "do" the same thing is
talk about things the same way.

19. Like if you've got a "problem," you use
it as if it were a real "thing."

20. I've "got" this "problem."

21. I don't know how to get rid of this
"problem."

22. I need to put "this" behind me.

23. What happens when you describe
your "problem" in a different way?

24. This is slightly different than the
useless "I don't see problems, I see
opportunities!" bumper sticker
mindset that some people spout .

25. For an example, think of a problem
you HAD a year or so ago, that is now
resolved.

26. Now think of something useful you
learned from that.

27. Something really useful, not, "I learned
that people are idiots."

28. Now, when you look at a "problem" in
the future, instead of saying "how can
I get rid of this," or something similar,
ask yourself, "When I DO solve this, I
wonder what I'll learn?"

29. That simple replacement, when you
take out the "if" and put in the "when"
is very powerful.

30. Just say these two sentences, out loud
if you can, to see how they affect your
emotions.

31. If I get rich I'll be able to buy a nice
house.

32. When I get rich I'll be able to buy nice
house.

33. The difference may be subtle, and you
may need to really WORK to believe
the second one, but when you do, a
whole new future of opportunities will
open up.

34. You'll think of new ideas, dream new
dreams, and start taking new action.

35. Instead of waiting, you'll be doing.

36. That one simple shift, (when instead of
if) is only ONE of the many language
patterns in the Covert Hypnosis book.

37. You can use them on yourself, to "fix"
your own problems.

38. You can use them with others, to help
them with theirs.

39. You can use them pretty much
anytime, anywhere with anybody.

40. mindpersuasion.com/covert-hypnosis/