Some books quietly find their way into your life — and end up reshaping the way you see everything.
For me, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy wasn’t a casual read. It was a complete mindset reset.
It reminded me that behind every decision I take as a founder, every pitch I deliver, every risk I avoid or embrace — there’s a deeper driver: the beliefs I hold beneath the surface. And those beliefs? They’re often invisible… until you look.
Summary of the Book
Originally published in 1963, Dr. Joseph Murphy’s work has stood the test of time for a reason. It breaks down a profound but simple truth:
What you believe about yourself and your future shapes your actions — and eventually, your results.
Key ideas from the book:
- Your subconscious mind never sleeps — it’s constantly processing your thoughts and storing suggestions.
- Repetition creates reality — what you say and think regularly becomes what you expect. And what you expect, you move toward.
- Visualization is programming — when you imagine vividly and positively, your subconscious starts making it real.
- Gratitude activates flow — when you express thanks for things not yet seen, your subconscious mind aligns with abundance.
- Fear is also faith — in the wrong direction — so reframe it and give your mind new instructions.
The best part? The book is packed with everyday success stories — from people overcoming illness, poverty, heartbreak — simply by shifting their inner script.
Key Takeaways
- You Are Programming Your Future Right Now
Every complaint, doubt, or anxious thought is a suggestion to your subconscious. Choose better thoughts.
- Talk to Yourself Like You’d Talk to a Winner
Affirmations aren’t cheesy when they’re clear, specific, and consistent.
- Mental Rehearsal Works
Before your next investor pitch, team offsite, or major decision — close your eyes and live it first. Your mind doesn’t know the difference.
- The Subconscious Loves Clarity
Be specific. Don’t just wish for “success.” Define what it looks like, feels like, and serves.
- Emotion Is the Fuel
It’s not enough to repeat goals robotically. Feel them. Trust them. That emotional charge is what activates belief.
My Experience as a Startup Founder
How I Was (Unknowingly) Self-Sabotaging
Before reading this book, I didn’t realize how much of my mental chatter was negative. Things like:
- “What if this launch flops?”
- “I’m not the kind of founder who raises big rounds.”
- “There are smarter players in this space.”
It felt like realism — but it was actually programming my subconscious to pull back.
My Morning Rewrite Ritual
Now, I start my day with five minutes of subconscious scripting:
- I write: “I build companies that solve real problems.”
- I visualize customers thanking us.
- I feel the confidence of leading with clarity.
It’s subtle, but powerful. My team says I show up calmer. Our decision-making has sharpened. And yes, our investor conversations improved.
Team Alignment, Subconsciously
We now ask: “What beliefs drive this behavior?” Whether it’s hesitance in shipping a feature or overthinking a task — the fix is often mental, not tactical.
Conclusion
Dr. Murphy’s book is a reminder that the startup journey is not just external — it’s deeply internal.
We’re not just building products. We’re building belief systems.
Your subconscious mind is your co-founder. And the more you work with it — intentionally, daily — the more aligned your actions become.
So if you’re stuck, spinning, or second-guessing… it might be time to go inward. Because everything starts with belief.
Conclusion