As one of the 5 Best Self-Improvement Books: , you should read in 2025 , I'd like to introduce this review and my notes about this book: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy. and relate to movie scenes. Enjoy reading.
Unlocking the Hidden Force Within You
Imagine if your subconscious mind was a silent, all-powerful co-pilot steering your life—sometimes into success, sometimes into failure. That’s the central idea of Joseph Murphy’s The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. First published in 1963, this book remains a classic in self-help literature, and for good reason. Murphy doesn’t just tell us to "think positive"—he provides a roadmap for tapping into the subconscious in a way that feels both practical and profound.
For anyone over 40, this book is particularly relevant. By this stage in life, we’ve accumulated experiences, beliefs, and mental habits that shape our reality. But what if some of those beliefs are holding us back? Murphy argues that by reprogramming our subconscious, we can change our circumstances, health, relationships, and even financial status.
If this sounds a bit like Inception (2010), you’re not far off. Much like Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in the movie, we, too, are architects of our own mental landscapes—whether we realize it or not. The question is, how do we design a better life?
Let's dive in.
1. The Treasure House Within You
Murphy begins with a simple yet powerful premise: the subconscious mind is a vast reservoir of untapped potential. Everything we experience, believe, or expect is stored within it, shaping our reality without us even noticing.
Why does this matter? Because most of us operate on autopilot, unaware that our subconscious is running the show. Imagine driving to work and arriving without remembering the journey—that’s your subconscious at work. Now, extend that to your beliefs about money, love, or health. If you’ve internalized the idea that "money is hard to come by" or "I always get sick in winter," your subconscious will make sure that reality plays out.
Murphy’s take: Change the input, and you change the output.
Hollywood moment: Think of the Matrix (1999). Morpheus tells Neo, “Your mind makes it real.” That’s exactly what Murphy is getting at—your subconscious doesn’t question; it simply acts on what it’s given.
2. The Miracle-Working Power of Your Subconscious
If you’ve ever heard of the placebo effect, you already know the subconscious has immense power. Murphy takes it further, suggesting that belief alone can heal the body, attract success, or mend broken relationships.
How does this work? Through autosuggestion—repeating positive affirmations until the subconscious accepts them as truth. This is why prayer, meditation, and visualization are so powerful; they imprint new beliefs onto the subconscious.
Relatable example: Ever had a song stuck in your head? That’s how the subconscious works—it picks up patterns, especially repetitive ones. If you repeat, "I am healthy and strong" daily, your subconscious will eventually make it your reality.
3. How Your Mind Works: The Conscious vs. The Subconscious
Murphy likens the conscious mind to a gardener planting seeds (thoughts) into the subconscious soil. Whatever gets planted grows—be it weeds of doubt or flowers of confidence.
Why is this crucial? Because if you’re not careful about what you dwell on, you might be unknowingly sabotaging yourself. Worrying constantly about failing a job interview? Your subconscious will work overtime to fulfill that expectation.
Hollywood moment: Remember Bruce Almighty (2003)? When Jim Carrey's character jokes, "Smite me, O mighty smiter!"—and then gets hit by a truck? That’s a comic exaggeration of what Murphy is saying: what you focus on expands.
4. The Role of Faith and Visualization
Murphy is a big advocate of visualization. Want to land that dream job? Picture yourself sitting at the desk, feeling the success, living it in your mind before it happens.
Why does this work? The brain doesn’t distinguish between real and vividly imagined experiences. Athletes use this trick all the time—visualizing a perfect performance actually improves real-world execution.
Personal story: I once knew a man who visualized finding the perfect parking spot every time he went out. He swore it worked. Call it luck, call it the subconscious at play—either way, he never circled the block twice.
5. Overcoming Fear and Negative Patterns
Fear is just faith in the wrong direction. Murphy argues that most fears are irrational and self-created. The cure? Flood the subconscious with opposing, positive images.
Example: Afraid of public speaking? Instead of imagining yourself fumbling through a speech, picture a confident, engaging you on stage.
Hollywood moment: The King’s Speech (2010)—King George VI overcomes his speech impediment by reprogramming his mind. That’s Murphy’s philosophy in action.
6. The Power of Forgiveness and Letting Go
Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. Murphy stresses that forgiveness is less about the other person and more about freeing your own subconscious from negativity.
How? Instead of replaying old grievances, consciously replace them with thoughts of peace and closure.
Hollywood moment: Good Will Hunting (1997)—Robin Williams’ character tells Matt Damon, “It’s not your fault.” Over and over. Until it sinks in. That’s how we rewire the subconscious.
7. Wealth, Success, and the Law of Attraction
Murphy’s take on money? It’s not about greed; it’s about mindset. If you see money as evil, your subconscious will push it away. If you see it as a tool for good, you’ll attract more of it.
Actionable tip: Every time you pay a bill, instead of feeling drained, say, "I am grateful for this abundance." It rewires your financial energy.
Hollywood moment: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). Will Smith’s character refuses to accept poverty as his fate. His mindset shift eventually brings success.
Conclusion: Small Shifts, Big Changes
Murphy’s book isn’t just theory—it’s a manual for reprogramming the mind. Whether you’re 40 or 80, it’s never too late to break free from limiting beliefs. The key takeaway? Be mindful of what you feed your subconscious. Your thoughts today shape your life tomorrow.
If you take just one thing from this book, let it be this: Your subconscious is always listening. Speak to it wisely.
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