Three Mindset Framing Techniques

It’s fascinating how two people can experience the same situation but come away with completely different perspectives. That’s the power of framing. How you interpret, respond to, and make sense of an event often depends on the mental “frame” you’ve applied to it.

In this post, we explore the fascinating concepts of preframing, deframing, and reframing. I’ll share examples of each, explain their differences, and show you how these tools can transform the way you think, act, and feel.

What is Framing?

Framing is the mental lens you use to interpret an experience. Think of it as the filter between what happens and how you perceive it. Sometimes the frame is intentional, but more often, it operates unconsciously. By learning to consciously frame situations, you gain the power to shift your perspective—and your outcomes.

Let’s break down the three key types of framing: preframing, deframing, and reframing.

Preframing: Setting the Stage

Preframing is about setting expectations before an event happens. It shapes how someone perceives an experience by influencing their mindset going into it.

Example: Imagine you’re hosting a meeting to share a new idea. If you start by saying, “This idea could revolutionize how we work—it’s bold and innovative,” people will likely listen with curiosity and openness. On the other hand, if you say, “This might sound crazy, but bear with me,” you’ve already planted a seed of doubt.

The Power of Preframing:

Influences perception: You direct attention toward specific aspects of the experience.
Creates anticipation: By shaping expectations, you prime others to see things in a certain way.
Drives focus: It helps guide the conversation or experience toward the outcome you want.

Preframing is used extensively in marketing, where brands set the tone for how their products are perceived. But it’s equally powerful in personal and professional conversations.

Deframing: Breaking the Frame

Deframing is the art of dismantling an existing frame. It’s what you use when someone is stuck in a perspective that’s limiting them or when an old way of thinking needs to be challenged.

Example: Say a colleague insists, “This project is impossible because we don’t have enough resources.” Deframing might involve responding, “What if we approach it differently? What if resources aren’t the real issue but how we’re using them?” By questioning the assumptions behind the statement, you break their current frame and open the door to new possibilities.

The Power of Deframing:

Breaks limiting beliefs: It disrupts unhelpful thought patterns or narratives.
Encourages fresh thinking: People are more likely to consider alternative perspectives when the original frame is dismantled.
Builds curiosity: By removing old assumptions, you invite exploration and innovation.

Deframing is a critical skill in leadership and problem-solving, where challenging the status quo often leads to breakthroughs.

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Reframing: Shifting the Perspective

Reframing is the practice of taking an existing situation and viewing it from a new angle. It’s not about denying reality but about finding a different—and often more empowering—way to interpret it.

Example: Imagine you’ve just received constructive criticism on a project. Instead of thinking, “I failed,” you might reframe it as, “This is an opportunity to improve and grow.” The facts haven’t changed, but your emotional response and next steps likely will.

The Power of Reframing:

Transforms challenges into opportunities: It helps you see setbacks as stepping stones.
Builds resilience: By shifting your perspective, you can maintain a positive outlook even in tough times.
Empowers action: A new frame often inspires creative solutions and renewed motivation.

Reframing is a cornerstone of personal development, used by mindset coaches, therapists, and anyone looking to overcome obstacles.

What’s the Difference Between These Techniques?

While preframing, deframing, and reframing all involve perspective, they serve different purposes:

Preframing shapes perceptions before an event.
Deframing challenges existing assumptions or beliefs.
Reframing shifts how you interpret a situation after it’s happened.

Think of preframing as setting the stage, deframing as breaking the mold, and reframing as rewriting the story. Together, they give you a powerful toolkit for navigating life’s complexities.

Why Framing Matters

The way you frame your experiences influences how you feel, think, and act. It can mean the difference between feeling stuck or inspired, overwhelmed or in control. By mastering these techniques, you can:

Build stronger relationships by setting the right tone in conversations.
Overcome challenges by shifting your perspective.
Break free from limiting beliefs by questioning old assumptions.

Key Takeaway

Life is full of moments where the frame we choose shapes the story we tell ourselves (and others). The more aware you are of how you frame situations, the more empowered you become to shape your reality.

So ask yourself: How can you apply preframing, deframing, and reframing to shift your mindset? The answer might just unlock new possibilities that you have considered before.

Sincerely,

Dexter Lam

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Questions I get about this

Frequently asked questions.

What is framing?

Framing is the mental lens you use to interpret an experience: the filter between what happens and how you perceive it. Two people can go through the same situation and walk away with completely different perspectives because of the frames they applied. Most frames operate unconsciously, but you can learn to choose them deliberately.

What is preframing?

Preframing is setting expectations before an event happens, shaping how someone perceives an experience by influencing their mindset going into it. Open a meeting with 'this idea is bold and innovative' and people listen with curiosity. Open with 'this might sound crazy' and you've planted doubt before you've even started. Same idea, different frame.

What is deframing?

Deframing is dismantling an existing frame, usually one that's limiting someone. If a colleague says 'this project is impossible because we lack resources,' deframing asks 'what if resources aren't the real issue, but how we're using them?' By questioning the assumptions underneath a statement, you break the frame and open the door to new possibilities.

What is reframing?

Reframing is taking a situation that's already happened and viewing it from a new angle. It's not denying reality, it's choosing a more empowering interpretation. Receive tough criticism and instead of 'I failed,' try 'this is an opportunity to improve.' The facts haven't changed, but your emotional response and your next steps will.

What's the difference between preframing and reframing?

Timing. Preframing shapes perception before an event, setting the stage for how it will be experienced. Reframing shifts your interpretation after the event has happened, rewriting the story you tell about it. One manages expectations going in, the other manages meaning coming out. Both change the experience without changing the facts.

What's the difference between deframing and reframing?

Deframing breaks a frame, reframing builds a new one. Deframing challenges the assumptions behind an existing belief until the old perspective falls apart. Reframing then offers a different angle to view the situation from. In practice they often work together: you dismantle the limiting story first, then replace it with a more useful one.

Is preframing the same as priming?

They're closely related. Preframing works by priming: when you shape expectations upfront, you direct attention toward specific aspects of the experience and prime people to see things a certain way. That's why marketers use it constantly to set the tone for how products are perceived. It works just as well in everyday conversations.

Can reframing help me deal with setbacks?

Yes, that's where it shines. Reframing turns challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones. It builds resilience because you can keep perspective in tough times, and it empowers action because a new frame often sparks creative solutions and renewed motivation. It's a cornerstone of personal development for exactly this reason.

How can I use framing techniques at work?

Preframe your pitches by setting the tone before you present, so people arrive curious instead of skeptical. Deframe stuck thinking when a team insists something is impossible, by questioning the assumptions underneath. Reframe setbacks and criticism as information to build on. Leaders and problem solvers use these constantly, because challenging the status quo often produces breakthroughs.

Why do framing techniques matter so much?

Because the frame you choose shapes the story you tell yourself, and that story drives how you feel, think, and act. It can be the difference between feeling stuck or inspired, overwhelmed or in control. The more aware you become of how you frame situations, the more power you have to shape your own reality.