Have you ever noticed how we, as humans, are a bit like ChatGPT – just not as fast? This parallel struck me recently during a morning scroll through my social media feed, where I caught myself unconsciously adopting the same phrases and perspectives that dominated my timeline. It was a wake-up call that made me reflect on how our minds, like AI models, are constantly being trained by our environment.

Over the last few months, as I’ve watched the tech space continue to expand in more ways than I can count, I’ve wondered how large AI language models compare to human behavior. The similarities are striking – just as ChatGPT evolves based on the data it’s exposed to; we too are constantly “programmed” by the world around us:

📺 The TV shows we binge-watch shape our expectations of relationships and success.

📰 The news we consume colors our view of the world and its possibilities.

📱 The endless social media scroll that dominates our feeds influences our desires and insecurities.

🤔 The people we hang out with mold our beliefs and habits.

I experienced this firsthand when I noticed my anxiety levels rising after consistently consuming true crime podcasts before bed. It took me weeks to realize that these stories were programming my subconscious to see danger everywhere. Once I switched to inspiring audiobooks instead, my outlook shifted dramatically. Everything we take in silently shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and ultimately, our lives.

But here’s where we differ from AI: unlike a program that is passively shaped by its inputs, we have the power to decide what influences us. This power, however, often meets resistance. Just as AI models struggle to unlearn embedded biases, we, too, find it challenging to break free from established thought patterns. Our brains are wired to seek comfort in the familiar, even when it doesn’t serve our growth.

The key lies in conscious reprogramming. We can rewrite our own “code” and consciously choose the inputs that inspire, empower, and uplift us. This isn’t just about positive thinking – it’s about intentionally designing your mental environment.

✨ Imagine the life you could create if your “mental feed” was only filled with content that aligns with your goals and values. Think of it as curating a personal growth playlist: each input either contributes to your development or dilutes your potential.

If this has you wondering, here are my tips for how to take control:

💡 Pause and reflect: Ask yourself – is what I’m consuming building me up or holding me back? Conduct a weekly “mental audit” by tracking how different content makes you feel.

💡 Be intentional: Surround yourself with people and experiences that empower and inspire. Start small – unfollow one negative influence today and replace it with something uplifting.

💡 Take action: Filter out the noise and design a mental and virtual environment that serves your highest potential. Create boundaries around content consumption and stick to them.

Try this exercise today: Choose one hour of your typical content consumption and document how it affects your mood, energy, and thoughts. Does it align with where you want to be in life? If not, what one change could you make to serve your growth better?

As I often say to my daughter – Master your mind, and you’ll master your life! It’s time to take the driver’s seat and become the author of your story. Remember, every input is either an investment in or a withdrawal from your personal growth bank account. Choose wisely.