Parts of Self – Understanding the Inner Dynamics

At Mind Works with Craig, one of the core concepts we explore is the Parts of Self. This is a crucial element of understanding why we sometimes feel pulled in different directions or conflicted about decisions we need to make. It’s something many of us experience daily without fully realising it.

Have you ever said, “Part of me thinks one way, but another part of me feels the complete opposite”? Or perhaps you’ve noticed how some days you’re motivated, energised, and ready to tackle any challenge, while other days, even simple tasks feel overwhelming and draining. These inner conflicts are familiar to many, and they are often the key to understanding why change can feel so difficult.

The Parts of Self concept explains how different aspects of our personality and psychology operate, sometimes in harmony and other times in opposition. By gaining clarity about these parts, you’ll start to understand how each one affects your behaviour, emotions, and decisions, allowing you to work through the conflicts and take control of your life.

What Are the Parts of Self?

Each of us has multiple internal voices or parts that represent different aspects of who we are. These parts have developed throughout our lives, shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and emotions. At Mind Works, we divide the Parts of Self into four key components:

1. True Self - this is your conscious mind, the part of your mind that you use when you concentrate and direct your attention on a something specific. It is also who you are when you are present in the moment. 

2. Current/Actual Self (The "Meaning" Subconscious  Mind)
   This is who you are right now—your present thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. The Current/Actual Self is shaped by your core beliefs and life experiences. It’s the version of you that navigates daily life and faces challenges based on how you see yourself at this moment. This part can be heavily influenced by negative core beliefs and may sometimes feel stuck in old patterns or overwhelmed by stress.

3. Future/Ideal Self (The "Thinking" Subconscious Mind)
   The Future/Ideal Self represents the person you aspire to be. This part of you is driven by logic, planning, and goals. It’s the part that looks ahead and envisions what life could be like if you made changes or achieved your full potential. While the Future/Ideal Self is often motivating, it can also create frustration when the gap between where you are now and where you want to be feels too large.

4. Protective/Aversive Self (The "Feeling" Subconscious Mind)
   This part of you is focused on protection. It’s the inner voice that steps in when you feel threatened, overwhelmed, or emotionally triggered. The Protective/Aversive Self uses aversive emotional states—such as fear, shame, or anger—to shield you from discomfort. While its intention is to keep you safe, this part can often overreact, leading to behaviours that hold you back or create unnecessary stress.

Why Understanding These Parts Matters

Each of these parts serves an important function in your life, but they don’t always work together seamlessly. In fact, much of the inner conflict we experience comes from these parts pulling us in different directions. For example, your Future/Ideal Self may want to take on a big new project or start a healthy routine, but your Protective/Aversive Self might resist, creating fear or procrastination to avoid discomfort or perceived failure.

When these parts are in conflict, it can feel like you’re stuck, frustrated, or unsure of how to move forward. Understanding how these parts operate allows you to address the underlying conflicts and create a more cohesive, balanced internal dialogue.

At Mind Works, we guide you through practical exercises that help you identify and work with these parts, allowing you to move toward your goals with less resistance and more clarity.

Parts of Self in the Process of Change

The Parts of Self concept is a fundamental aspect of the Process of Change. In order to successfully change habits, mindsets, or behaviours, you must first understand the inner dynamics at play. It’s about recognising which part of you is driving your actions—or inaction—and learning how to shift the balance.

When you can identify when the Protective/Aversive Self is holding you back or when the Current/Actual Self is stuck in a negative belief pattern, you can then use that awareness to take purposeful and structured action. This is where Mental Strength comes into play, as it helps you stay focused on observing and managing these parts with clarity.

How the Parts of Self Impact Your Life

By working through the Parts of Self, you’ll begin to see how your internal dynamics influence everything from relationships to career choices. You’ll start to understand why certain behaviours, like procrastination or self-sabotage, continue to show up and what you can do to change them.

This understanding isn’t just theoretical—it’s deeply practical. Through the tools and techniques offered in Mind Works, you’ll learn how to align your Future/Ideal Self with your Current/Actual Self and manage the reactions of your Protective/Aversive Self more effectively.

Moving Forward

Once you’ve gained clarity on the Parts of Self, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the next stages of the Process of Change. You’ll have the insight needed to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours more effectively, reducing internal conflict and building momentum toward the life you want to create.

Ready to explore the next step? Dive deeper into how to apply this knowledge in the Understanding stage of the Process of Change, where we discuss the importance of gaining a clear understanding of your thoughts and behaviours.

Take the next step in transforming your life with Mind Works.