In this day and age we use passwords all the time — to unlock phones, log into computers, or access websites. A few years ago T had to password protect his work blackberry for the first time. As a rebellion against the inconvenience and a jab at the IT team he made his password ‘Stupid.’
This got me thinking. Stupid is certainly not a word you want to be typing into your phone 37 times a day. What is the subconscious impact of doing that over and over?
Instead, passwords can be an opportunity to remind yourself of something positive many times throughout the day. They can act like a mantra to support a feeling or image you want to cultivate in your life.
Instead of your childhood pet and the last four digits of your phone number as your password, try something like happiness, gratitude, peace, love, energy… the list goes on. You may need to add a number and a capital letter, but the sentiment of the password is still the same.
The science behind mantras teaches us that the human brain cannot tell the difference between what it is told and reality. If you tell yourself you have energy many times throughout the day using your password, you may just find an extra spring in your step.
I can’t say I’ve noticed any drastic changes myself since updating my passwords to be more meaningful, but I do often find a smile comes to my face as I’m typing them into my computer.
Besides, what do you have to lose?
Hi Z! I actually just had to change my work phone password this morning, and I literally changed it from “passwordd” to “ppassword”. I type it in about a hundred times a day – so now I’m going to go back and change it to something better. Love tips like this for those of us who may need to start small 🙂
Fabulous! I’m so glad to hear this works for you. How does the new password feel?
It actually feels great. You’re so right — every time I type it in (dozens of times per day), it serves as a little reminder as I’m rushing around to slow down and be present. Such a simple thing, and makes such a difference! Thanks Z!
Hi Zoe – I like your blog! My password for lots of things is a version (symbols replacing some letters, some words abbreviated, etc) of the phrase, “peace be with you”. Not only a secure password, but a nice thought each time I unlock my computer!
Good luck with your blogging adventures–
Adrienne