Episode 120 – This Secret “Sixth Sense” Will Change Everything For You

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Note: This blog post serves as an accompaniment to the corresponding podcast episode of A Changed Mind, where we’ll distill down the core ideas of this week’s theme, along with additional distinctions and insights. If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, you can go here to do so.  Enjoy.

Have you ever experienced a moment where the fog in your mind suddenly lifted? One second, you were lost in confusion, frustration, or doubt, and then—like a light switch flipping on—you saw things in a completely different way. It was as if a hidden door in your mind had cracked open, revealing a truth that had been there all along, just waiting for you to notice it.

Maybe you were holding onto resentment toward someone, convinced they had wronged you, and then suddenly, you realized they were acting from their own pain, doing the best they knew how. Or perhaps you had been struggling financially, constantly telling yourself that money was scarce and hard to earn, only to one day recognize the abundance all around you—that, despite your fears, you’ve always found a way, always been taken care of.

What is this mysterious shift in perspective? We often say, I see it now! even though nothing in the external world has visibly changed. What exactly is this unique kind of seeing, and why does it have the power to unlock doors we once believed were permanently shut? More importantly, can we cultivate this ability so that transformation and breakthroughs become part of our everyday lives?

The answer is yes. And in this article, we’re going to break down the science, psychology, and deeper wisdom behind this phenomenon, so you can begin leveraging this superpower in your own life—starting today.

The Hidden Truth About Seeing

When you experience a breakthrough, it can feel as though you’ve unlocked a hidden secret, but the truth is, the insight was always there. It was simply outside your field of awareness.

Your brain is an incredible filtering machine. At any given moment, it is bombarded with vast amounts of information, yet it can only process a tiny fraction of it. Research suggests that as much as 88% of what’s happening around you is filtered out, leaving you with a reality that aligns with your past experiences, beliefs, and expectations. In other words, you don’t see the world as it is—you see it as you are.

This explains why two people can experience the same situation and interpret it in completely different ways. Imagine two individuals losing their jobs. One might spiral into fear, believing it’s the worst thing that could happen, a sign that life is against them. The other might see it as a blessing, an opportunity to pursue something new and more fulfilling. The event is the same—the interpretation is what makes the difference.

And here’s the best part: If perception is what shapes our reality, then we have the power to shift our perspective and change how we experience life. This ability to “see differently” is what leads to profound breakthroughs, and once you understand how to access this ability intentionally, you’ll start creating change in ways you never thought possible.

The Science Behind Breakthroughs

Breakthroughs feel like magic, but they are deeply rooted in the mechanics of the human brain. They occur when our perception of reality shifts, allowing us to see possibilities and solutions that were previously hidden. This process is governed by a few key neurological mechanisms that work together to shape our understanding of the world.

One of the most significant players in this process is the Default Mode Network (DMN)—a network of interconnected brain regions that is active when we are introspective, reflecting on our lives, or imagining the future. The DMN is responsible for reinforcing our existing beliefs, which is useful for maintaining a stable sense of self but can also trap us in limiting thought patterns. When you experience a breakthrough, the DMN momentarily quiets down, allowing fresh insights to bypass your habitual mental filters and enter your conscious awareness.

But how does this happen? One key factor is neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Each time you challenge a long-held belief or adopt a new perspective, your brain physically changes, creating new neural pathways that support this updated way of thinking. This is why a single powerful realization can lead to a lasting transformation in how you approach your life.

Another critical element is brainwave activity. Studies show that moments of insight are often accompanied by shifts in brainwave states. Specifically, breakthroughs are linked to theta waves, which are associated with deep relaxation, creativity, and subconscious processing. This explains why people often have their best ideas while showering, walking in nature, or right before falling asleep—these activities help lower brainwave frequency, making the mind more receptive to new perspectives.

Additionally, breakthroughs are fueled by the Reticular Activating System (RAS), a part of the brainstem that acts as a filter for information. The RAS prioritizes what it deems relevant based on your beliefs and expectations. When you experience an insight, the RAS updates its filtering criteria, allowing you to notice opportunities and solutions that were previously ignored.

This entire process can feel almost supernatural—like the universe is suddenly aligning things in your favor—but in reality, it’s your brain doing what it was designed to do: adapt, learn, and evolve. And the best part? You don’t have to wait for breakthroughs to happen randomly. You can train your brain to enter these states more frequently, making transformation a regular occurrence in your life.

How to Train Your Brain for Breakthroughs

The ability to experience breakthroughs isn’t just a random occurrence—it’s something you can cultivate intentionally. By training your brain to see beyond its habitual filters, you can create a mental environment that allows for more frequent insights, fresh perspectives, and paradigm shifts. Here are three powerful ways to do just that:

1. Interrupt Your Mental Patterns

Our brains love predictability. They create mental shortcuts based on past experiences, which is why we often find ourselves stuck in repetitive thought loops. If you want to experience more breakthroughs, you need to disrupt these patterns. One way to do this is by exposing yourself to new experiences—traveling to unfamiliar places, learning new skills, or even having deep conversations with people who challenge your way of thinking. When your brain encounters something unexpected, it temporarily suspends its usual filters, making it more open to new insights.

Another effective method is to practice mindfulness and self-inquiry. Pay attention to your thoughts and notice when you’re operating from a place of assumption rather than curiosity. When you catch yourself thinking, This is just how things are, question it: Is this really true? What else could be possible? This simple act of questioning can open up entirely new ways of seeing a situation.

2. Engage in Deep Reflection and Visualization

Your mind is incredibly powerful—it doesn’t just process reality; it actively shapes it. Studies on visualization show that the brain responds to imagined experiences in almost the same way it does to real ones. This means that by vividly imagining different possibilities, you can train your brain to perceive opportunities that were previously invisible to you.

Take time each day to reflect on areas of your life where you feel stuck. Instead of focusing on what’s not working, close your eyes and visualize a reality where the problem is already solved. Imagine how you would feel, what you would do, and what new possibilities would open up. This practice not only helps you shift your emotional state, but it also conditions your brain to start filtering reality in a way that supports your desired outcome.

3. Shift Your State of Being

One of the biggest obstacles to experiencing breakthroughs is being stuck in a state of stress, anxiety, or fear. When we’re in survival mode, our brain is primarily focused on immediate threats, making it difficult to access creative insights. If you want to see things differently, you have to shift out of stress and into a state of openness and curiosity.

Practices like meditation, breathwork, and gratitude journaling can help regulate your nervous system and create the mental space needed for breakthroughs. Engaging in activities that bring you joy—whether it’s spending time in nature, exercising, or playing music—also shifts your energy, making you more receptive to new ways of thinking.

The more you cultivate these practices, the more frequently you’ll find yourself experiencing those “aha” moments that change the trajectory of your life. Breakthroughs are not just random flashes of insight—they are the natural result of training your mind to see beyond its current limitations.

Strengthening Your Capacity for Breakthroughs

Cultivating the ability to experience breakthroughs isn’t about luck—it’s about intentionally developing a mindset that allows you to see beyond your current limitations. Just like strengthening a muscle, training your brain to recognize new opportunities, reframe challenges, and embrace alternative perspectives requires consistent effort.

One of the most effective ways to strengthen this ability is to challenge your own assumptions. Our minds tend to operate within familiar patterns, reinforcing what we already believe to be true. However, true growth happens when we consciously question those beliefs. When faced with a problem, ask yourself: Is this the only way to see this situation? What might someone else believe in my position? This simple shift opens the door to new ways of thinking.

Another critical practice is exposure to new ideas and environments. Travel, read books outside of your usual interests, engage in deep conversations with people who have different perspectives. When you immerse yourself in the unfamiliar, your brain is forced to reorganize its understanding of the world, making you more adaptable and open to insights.

Reframing obstacles as opportunities is another powerful tool. Instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, train yourself to view them as stepping stones to growth. When you hit a setback, instead of asking, Why is this happening to me?, shift your focus to What is this trying to teach me? This mental shift rewires your brain to look for solutions rather than dwell on limitations.

Ultimately, breakthroughs don’t just happen—they are cultivated. By training your mind to seek out new perspectives, question limiting beliefs, and embrace curiosity, you create a fertile ground for transformation. And the more you practice, the more frequently you’ll find yourself unlocking doors you never even knew existed.

Your Next Breakthrough Is Already Waiting for You

Breakthroughs aren’t rare, once-in-a-lifetime events reserved for the lucky few—they are a skill, a mindset, and a way of being that you can cultivate. The ability to see beyond your current reality, to shift your perspective, and to embrace new ways of thinking is what separates those who remain stuck from those who create extraordinary lives.

The truth is, every single one of us has blind spots. We all have beliefs, patterns, and filters that limit what we see as possible. But when you commit to strengthening your perception—by questioning assumptions, embracing curiosity, and training your brain to recognize new possibilities—you unlock a world of transformation.

If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this: your next breakthrough is already waiting for you. The answers you seek, the clarity you desire, and the solutions to your biggest challenges are closer than you think. All you have to do is open your mind, adjust your focus, and allow yourself to see what’s been there all along.