On Negative Thinking Patterns
Reflection on the power of reframing detrimental thinking patterns. 28 strategies to identify and modify unproductive thoughts are provided.
Internal Programming
Humans are programmed to detect external threats.
We are really good at finding problems anywhere…
Anywhere except within.
People are notoriously terrible at self-reflection, identification, and intervention.
We still operate on the same biological hardware that helped our ancestors detect anomalies and survive in extreme environments. The skills and priorities that were needed for daily survival are no longer necessary.
While the internal programming is the same, our environment has changed dramatically.
Civilization, industrialization and innovation have removed the majority of hazards in our lives. Minimal effort is now feasible without any immediate or obvious consequence.
Technological advancement is undoubtedly an overall net positive for humanity; however, there are trade-offs.
In the absence of significant stressors, humans unfortunately are adapted to identifying and amplifying modern inconveniences. Using the same nervous system that protected and provided for small communities living in the wilderness in the not-so-distant past, perceived threats are now based around interpretations of the past, disturbances to comfort in the present, or assumptions about the future.
Stress physiology is the same regardless of stressor. Therefore, the sympathetic nervous system operates the same for perceived threat to life and distress resulting from occupational or financial problems. The only difference in response is intensity and duration.
There was no time for rumination and prolonged distress for our ancestors. Daily purpose was provided by the necessity to do one’s part to ensure survival of the tribe. Thinking patterns were consistently oriented on the mission to endure. Do your part for the group or die. Extreme challenge was a constant part of life.
The modern world allows for indefinite rumination. Recovery is no longer essential for survival. Significant or everyday stressors can seemingly persist for the uninitiated.
Our thinking patterns begin to form the moment our mind starts working. The brain isn’t fully developed, however, until approximately 25 years old when the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for relational evaluation of decisions and complex problems, fully forms. By early adulthood, many have established mental models that dictate daily functioning. Impulses, habits, opinions, beliefs, and judgements about the world and self are already well-formed. This perceived hard wiring creates quite a challenge when inevitably maladapted. Without self-evaluation, reversing disordered thinking isn’t possible.
One can’t fix an unobserved problem.
Interpreting thoughts is our first opportunity to exert command over our lives.
Our thoughts have power. Thoughts lead to emotions. Emotions lead to our attitude, words, and actions. Over time, this pattern develops habits and habits influence our personality and character. Eventually, our habits become our legacy.
Simply put, one’s character is a decision based on permitted thoughts.
Negative thoughts are inevitable. They are natural. Unchecked thoughts, however, turn into cycles.
Are you aware of yours?
Do you question them or let them run the show?
Once recurrent thoughts to common stressors become cyclic, patterns start to imprint in our neural wiring. Mindsets are prone to plasticity just like anything else.
Thought patterns can either be conscious for people willing to put in productive effort or subconscious for those living passively. If one doesn’t exert control in mindset application, functioning will be unknowingly delegated to circumstance.
All mental states are derived from mindsets.
Reframing negative thinking patterns, particularly with the use of intentional stress, might be the best form of self-intervention one can pursue. It’s a lifelong endeavor but significant progress can be made in a short amount of time.
Recognizing external triggers for distress is helpful but the world is complex and dynamic. Therefore, identifying internal triggers is ideal.
Active early intervention for functional optimization.
What are your most common mindsets?
What thoughts initiate detrimental feelings and downstream action?
Reframing Negative Thinking Patterns
My goal today is to present many counterproductive mindsets conceptually, their shortcomings, and a specific example. I will then provide a reframing strategy and the skill that are being encouraged when done consistently.
This is a long post. Feel free to read a few, reflect, and come back later.
Emotional Reasoning
If the emotional brain is running the show, you’re at risk of irrational reactions. Our core brain is the foundation of our programming. It contains the limbic system that allowed for our survival. When the stress response initiates, rationalization is suppressed, and the sympathetic nervous system takes over. This is imperative for survival situations but detrimental for most modern stressors.
Regretful action is often the result of reacting to emotions.
Resilient people don’t suppress emotion, they effectively manage and eventually recover from them.
There are countless stress management strategies, but they’re all rooted in self-awareness followed by effective response.
Self-awareness is key.
Recognizing you’re in an emotional state, identifying the emotion, and responding accordingly is emotional intelligence.
Specific adverse thought: “I’m so pissed off right now, I’m going to tell Karen what I really think!”
* Cussing, even in my head, is my main tell that I’m emotionally reasoning. I enjoy cussing when being silly with friends, however, a serious cuss is indicative of emotion. It’s an established trigger of mine that prompts rational response. *
Reframing strategy: “I’m angry. I’m going to do a few physiologic sighs and wait until I calm down before responding.”
Beneficial skill: Calm; Stress reduction; Resilience.
Disrespected
Personalizing circumstances and behaviors amplifies the ego and discounts root causes.
Hurt people hurt people.
Projection of struggle is often the reason for perceived disrespect.
Defensive mindsets prevent alternate perspectives.
You don’t own your opinions and beliefs. These thought patterns are allowed to change throughout life.
Updating mindsets based on new knowledge is a sign of growth. Resisting change and viewing anything counter knowledge on your belief systems is a sign of insecurity.
Don’t take this disrespectfully, but no one gives that much of a shit (silly cuss) about you other than your loved ones. We are all forgettable.
Real security in oneself is demonstrated by those who don’t personalize external conditions.
Rational response over emotional reactions.
No one can disrespect you unless you allow it.
Specific adverse thought: “I can’t believe Joe said that! How dare he imply I’m wrong about ____.”
Reframing strategy: “Joe’s opinion differs from mine. That’s okay.” or “How much should I care about my own opinions, let alone anyone else’s?” or “I wonder where Joe and I agree.”
Beneficial skill: Empathy; Forgiveness; Open-mindedness; Self-reflection; Acceptance; Resilience.
Threatened
The fight, flight, or freeze response can be lifesaving when our physical safety is critically threatened.
When our short-term survival isn’t in question, the sympathetic nervous system can mislead responses. Perceiving a threat in objectively safe stressors is a misapplication of the stress response that compromises function.
Returning to or even maintaining rationality once an emotional reaction to a perceived threat occurs is critical.
Train this response with extreme intentional stress:
Specific adverse thought: “The market just collapsed. I don’t know what to do.”
Reframing strategy: “Control what you can. Where are the opportunities?” or “Default action. Prioritize and execute.” (Thank you Jocko).
Beneficial skill: Nonlinear thinking; Decisiveness; Resilience.
Overthinking
Perfectionism leads to overthinking. Overthinking leads to stagnation. Paralysis by analysis.
If everything needs a 10/10, productivity will suffer.
Perfection is impossible.
Problem-solving is different than overthinking. Unproductive rumination requires intervention and action.
Determine the appropriate level of thought each action needs. Intentionality in all interpretations and actions without overemphasis in outcome. Optimize processes and the outcomes will benefit.
Quality comes from initial quantity. Revisions, updates, feedback, and collaboration can always occur once a step is completed in any domain.
Make a call. Live with and learn from the consequence.
Continuous learning is not possible for those unwilling to fail.
Specific adverse thought: “I’m not sleeping until this presentation is perfect.”
Reframing strategy: “I’m going to take a ten-minute break and come back to determine next best steps for what is needed to reach completion. Maybe I’ll hit up Max to clarify expectations.”
Beneficial skill: Decision-making; Confidence; Growth mindset; Resilience.
Filtering
Hyper-focus on an issue removes situational awareness. We tend to zoom in on perceived problems and discount time, alternate perspectives, and contributing factors.
What you focus on, you get more of.
You can’t see solutions if you only focus on problems.
Specific adverse thought: “This is unsolvable. It just doesn’t make sense!”
Reframing strategy: “I need to take a step back and think about this from a different perspective.”
Beneficial skill: Cognitive distancing. Open-mindedness. Resilience.
Past and/or Future Think
The past and future must be considered.
Use the past for self-reflection, learning, and opportunities to reframe your story thus far.
Use the future to consider who you want to be and prepare accordingly.
Both efforts ideally bring peace and return us to the present.
Ultimately, the past is dead, and the future is unknown.
Control what you can and optimize the present.
Specific adverse thought: “My childhood ruined me.” or “I won’t be able to sleep until I know this medical concern isn’t cancer.”
Reframing strategy: “My past doesn’t define me. What lesson can I learn from my experiences” or “This outcome is possible but so are others. I will prepare accordingly in the ways I can control and then whatever is meant to be will happen. I can handle anything.” or “This moment is more important at this time, I will reflect/prepare later.”
Beneficial skill: Self-reflection; Preparedness; Realistic optimism; Resilience.
Complacency
Complacency kills. There is no such thing as passive sustainment of skills.
You’re either improving or you’re dying.
In the words of Nic McKinley from
’s podcast, “0.01% better every day.”I’ll add in, “0.01% better every day in at least one domain, forever.” Even in response to illness or injury, we can challenge and improve our mindset. There are no losses, only learning and growth opportunities for the initiated.
Specific adverse thought: “I’ve done enough.”
Reframing strategy: “I can do more. One step at a time.”
Beneficial skill: Growth mindset; Agency; Discipline; Resilience.
Impatience
The opposite of complacence, impatience indicates one’s attempt to rush the present to get to a future state.
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
There’s nothing wrong in having a sense of urgency when appropriate, however, impatient people are prone to mistakes, miss opportunities, and lack fulfillment.
Desire to expedite the present compromises your future.
Inner peace is impossible when impatient.
I have always enjoyed the song “I’m in a Hurry” by Alabama. Love the melody but the lyrics of the chorus are what really resonate with me. If you’re already familiar but not a fan, see the stupidity section below… If not, here is the chorus:
“I’m in a hurry to get things done
Oh, I rush and rush until life’s no fun.
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.”
Wise reflection. Our only obligation in life is to live and die. Anything that pulls you out of the present, your actual life, only pulls you closer to death.
Specific adverse thought: “I can’t wait until this to be over.”
Reframing strategy: “This moment may never happen again.”
* Death contemplation is an effective practice to encourage gratitude, presence, and appreciation of life. *
Beneficial skill: Patience; Presence; Inner peace; Discipline; Resilience.
If-Then Statements
Outsourcing your feelings to circumstance is unwise. If you’re doing this, then you’ll regularly be disappointed (see what I did there?).
Conditional functioning gives away the control one has of thoughts. Outcomes will never provide lasting satisfaction to those who don’t enjoy processes.
If-then statements indicate desire. Attempting to satisfy desire only fuels continued yearning.
Wants can become perceptual needs. This leads to misery.
Urges, eventual circumstance, the past, materials, people, and any other form of desire can take away one’s freedom.
There will never be enough “insert urge or desire” for those who emphasize wants.
Desire is a mental state prone to reframing and adaptation.
Specific adverse thought: “If I make $100,000 this year, then I’ll be happy.” or “If I feel motivated in the morning, then I’ll work out.”
Reframing strategy: “Focus on the process.” or “I’m disciplined, I’m going to find a way to do something.”
Beneficial skill: Urge control; Acceptance; Gratitude; Discipline; Resilience.
Comparisons
Unless you’re trying to learn from others and emulate processes that have potential benefit in your life, comparisons are distractions that remove focus on what you can control - yourself.
Comparing your actions to those around you will regularly be a letdown. Unreasonable expectations like expecting people to behave in ways we prefer inevitably set us up for failure. We can’t control others or their circumstances.
If you’re keeping score in life, you’re losing.
Jealousy and resentment demonstrate desire for an external uncontrollable. They diminish yourself self-esteem.
Catch this thought pattern and nip it in the butt… (I know the correct phrase. This one is better).
Specific adverse thought: ‘Jack was dealt a better hand than me.”
Reframing strategy: “What can I learn from Jack’s success that I can apply to my life?’
* Two mindsets that are especially helpful for me when I catch myself comparing are “Don’t expect yourself out of others” and “Don’t expect others out of yourself." *
* We are all at different chapters in our respective books of life. No need to compare. *
Beneficial skill: Acceptance; Empathy; Gratitude; Resilience.
Labeling
The use of adjectives to judge ourselves and others is an opportunity for intervention.
Determining someone is weak, lazy, or stupid is a weak, lazy, and stupid way to assess a person.
People are icebergs. We can only see and assess a fraction of the entire human.
How can we accurately judge others when we don’t even understand ourselves?
If you’re going to label anything, label your feelings. Otherwise, save the judgements and question this thinking pattern.
Specific adverse thought: “Man, Bob is being a real asshole today.” or “I’m about to flip out on Susie!”
Reframing strategy: “I wonder what’s going on with Billy to cause this behavior.” or “I’m feeling angry. I’m going to wait to talk to Suz until I’m thinking more clearly.”
Beneficial skill: Cognitive flexibility; Most charitable interpretation; Resilience.
Generalizing
Generalizations assist in summarizing large amounts of information to develop schemas/mental models that help with efficient processing. Just because something is accurate more than 50% of the time, however, doesn’t mean it’s always right. Mental models can also be disordered if initially developed with poor data.
Every person and circumstance are unique. Schemas can initiate a thought but require questioning in their specific application.
65% accurate might indicate majority but isn’t anywhere near factual.
Unchecked mental models will lead you astray.
Generalize conceptually, analyze specifically.
Specific adverse thought: “Gen is from ____ she must be a ____.”
Reframing strategy: “I don’t know Gen yet so I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt.”
Beneficial skill: Most charitable interpretation; Realistic optimism; Resilience.
Pessimism or Cynicism
A pessimist finds the downsides. A cynic assumes the worst. Both are extremely counterproductive.
What you focus on, you get more of (some phrases are worth repeating).
Evil exists in this world but it’s not the norm. If looking for evil, however, a pessimist will find evidence for it and a cynic already believes it’s present in a given circumstance.
Question your assessments and assumptions when producing negative feelings. There may be other alternatives. At the very least, you’ll prevent your own misery and potential slide toward nihilism, losing all meaning in life, by reframing your perspective.
Specific adverse thought: “This proves Charlie is corrupt!” or “It doesn’t matter what that political party does, they’re evil.”
Reframing strategy: “What are three potential reasons Charlie did that?” or “Am I able to question my assumptions? What aspects of the other side might I agree with?”
Beneficial skill: Cognitive flexibility; Most charitable interpretation; Realistic optimism; Open-mindedness; Resilience.
Sensory-Led Thinking
We are optimized to detect potential threats, and our sensory systems can pick up on dangerous anomalies when properly trained.
Personal preferences to maintain comfort, however, can lead to maladaptive changes to our senses.
Aversions to smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and discomforts are all choices.
Sensitivity to stimuli creates disordered mindsets and functioning in uncontrollable environments (which are almost all environments).
Differentiating objective good/indifferent stimuli versus bad/harmful requires removal of perceptual preference.
If nonhazardous external stimuli acutely alter your mental state, you have an opportunity to improve.
Specific adverse thought: “I don’t do the cold.” or “Everyone better leave me alone until I eat!”
Reframing strategy: “I feel cold or hungry but I’m still in control of my attitude.”
More extreme examples that I love:
“Cold is a mental state until frost bite.”
“Humans can survive three weeks on average without food and being hungry is a mental state for at least three days until mild physical issues set in. Suck it up.”
Beneficial skill: Habituation; Conditioning; Calm; Character; Discipline; Resilience.
Chaotic
There is no single attribute that can’t be used in excess.
Overtasking and excessive imbalance leads to unnecessary chaos.
Time management, scheduling, communication, and knowing your “why” are all tools that reduce chaos despite competing priorities.
Balance of perspective, priorities, and actions in alignment with our values is essential to optimal thinking patterns.
Managing your plate, bandwidth, or any other analogy that represents task load is your responsibility.
Specific adverse thought: “I’m too busy to do anything!” or “I work out two hours a day and still feel terrible.”
Reframing strategy: “I feel overwhelmed. I need to assess what is on my plate, prioritize, and determine what needs set aside for now. I will communicate with who my decisions may impact.” or “What I’m currently doing isn’t working. It may even be making things worse. I need to reassess and maybe seek support.”
Beneficial skill: Balance; Self-assessment and reflection; Decision-making; Discipline; Resilience.
Overly Selfless or Selfish Motives
Pure selflessness leads to neglected self-care and burnout.
Pure selfishness is narcissistic and leads to isolation and limited fulfillment.
Decisions and actions are most beneficial when they contain both selfless and selfish motives.
Lean too far in one direction and risk becoming an ego-centric narcissist or burned-out martyr.
Specific adverse thought: “I do everything for Patty and get nothing in return.” or “I’m going to take advantage of this system. Others have done it, why shouldn’t I?”
Reframing strategy: “I’m feeling frustrated. I need to talk to Pat about what I’m observing to find better balance when I’m in a good state of mind.” or “Regardless of what others may do, I’m a man of integrity.”
Beneficial skill: Balance; Communication; Integrity; Ego-management; Justice; Resilience.
Excuses
Excuses are simply justifiable lies. There are better excuses than others but they’re all still shit.
If you can’t be honest with yourself, how are you ever going to be truly honest with others?
Rather than focusing on what you can’t do and the reasons for it, emphasize what you CAN do.
Specific adverse thought: “I would exercise today, but I don’t feel good.”
Reframing strategy: “What can I do to still get something in despite my current circumstance?”
Beneficial skill: Self-honesty; Integrity; Accountability; Justice; Resilience.
External Locus of Control
Many things happen in life outside of our control. This uncertain, complex world throws curveballs at us daily.
We always have control in our response.
There isn’t much we own outside of the judgement of our thoughts (the reason behind this entire post) and subsequent actions. Even our bodies and health can be taken from us at any moment.
Focus inward and expand outward.
Whether or not you think you have free will, you’re correct.
Specific adverse thought: “There’s nothing that can be done. I’m helpless.”
Reframing strategy: “Control what you can.”
Beneficial skill: Internal locus of control; Acceptance; Uncertainty; Peace; Resilience.
Outsourced Expectations
Expectations are imperative for leaders or anyone looking to become more efficient and effective. Establishing expectations empower others to independently operate, learn, and improve.
What we expect of others and why, however, requires reflection. That piece of trash on the ground, calling out legitimate injustice, chores around the house, or support of someone in need. These are all opportunities to make an impact.
Many situations don’t need to be outsourced.
In regard to preparation for the unknown, relying on others for your perceived safety or support makes you vulnerable.
Outsourcing expectations of self-improvement to your future inevitably compromises yourself in the present and down the line.
If you can do it now but decide not to, you probably aren’t going to do it later either.
Specific adverse thought: “Someone else will do it.”
Reframing strategy: “I can do it.”
Beneficial skill: Ownership; Accountability; Resilience.
Victimhood
Life happens. Why it happens is a decision.
Do things happen to or for you?
The choice is yours.
Without question, awful things occur every day. PTSD is real but so is post traumatic growth.
Grieving and allowing time to process significant stressors is essential.
The stories we tell ourselves, the perceived and objective support systems we establish, and the mindsets we choose to use are ultimately what differentiate disorder from growth.
Recovery vs misery.
Established identity is also great mental and spiritual preparation prior to inevitable future hardship.
Do you currently identify as resilient or susceptible?
Has your past strengthened or weakened you?
Stress is required for growth.
Specific adverse thought: “I’m a victim of ___.”
Reframing strategy: “I will find a way through this.” or “Where are the opportunities?”
Beneficial skill: Realistic optimism; Internal locus of control; Resilience.
Shame
Feeling and expressing guilt for poor actions is productive. Try to never make the same mistake twice. Being ashamed of yourself, however, is an attack on your self-esteem.
Guilt is behavior-related whereas shame is aimed at one’s identity.
Forgive yourself for not being there yet while embracing the challenge of not quitting until you course correct.
It’s not often what one does, but how they respond that demonstrates character.
Specific adverse thought: “I’m pathetic because I messed up.”
Reframing strategy: “What can I learn from this to prevent it from happening again?”
Beneficial skill: Self-reflection; Self-awareness; Self-improvement; Self-acceptance; Resilience.
Should Statements
The word “should” is an excellent trigger to notice in thinking patterns.
When used about yourself, it indicates opportunity. Whatever you “should” be doing, needs serious consideration about why you aren’t. Whatever you “should” have done is what you CAN focus on doing next time.
When used for others, it indicates unrealistic expectations. Someone “shouldn’t” be behaving according to your implicit rule sets. All actions have consequences whether obvious or not. Communication is always within control, but people are going to operate independently for countless reasons outside of your control.
Quit shoulding all over yourself and others and instead find the opportunities.
Every time you catch yourself about to take a big should, intervene and reframe.
Even when others are acting like pieces of should, we must focus on what is in our control.
Okay, I’m done with the shouldy puns…
Specific adverse thought: “I should have done this.” or “I should be doing that.”
Reframing strategy: “I will do this from now on.” or “I am going to begin doing that in this way initially.”
Beneficial skill: Ownership; Self-awareness; Cognitive flexibility; Discipline; Resilience.
Obligatory Thinking
A great way to should on your mindset is with the use of obligatory thinking. (Wasn’t done and I don’t give a should if you like it…)
No one HAS to do anything. There are consequences to all choices, but perceptual obligations are ultimately a decision.
Specific adverse thought: “I have to go to work.” or “I have to watch the kids today.”
Reframing strategy: Replace HAVE with GET.
Beneficial skill: Reframing; Acceptance; Discipline; Gratitude; Resilience.
Linear Thinking
Stress is not linear, and neither are most other problems. Issues can appear to escalate in a linear fashion, but this is a perception.
Perception is reality and linear thinking causes progressive amplification of distress for existing stressors.
Intervening inward prevents escalation outward.
Specific adverse thought: “One more minute of this shit and I’m going to blow up!”
Reframing strategy: “You can do hard things, where are the opportunities.” or “Breathe through this. You’re going to figure this out a different way.”
Beneficial skill: Nonlinear thinking; Creativity; Flexibility; Discipline; Resilience.
All or Nothing
Black and white thinking causes one to miss the endless possibilities for a given circumstance.
There are no absolutes, only shades of grey.
Certainty feels comfortable but it’s misleading. It closes the mind.
No one is completely right or wrong.
Forget absolutes and embrace uncertainty.
Specific adverse thought: “If I don’t get an A in this class, I’m not going to be able to go to college.”
Reframing strategy: “I’m going to do my best on this task and then determine my next steps. One thing at a time.”
Beneficial skill: Cognitive flexibility; Open-mindedness; Resilience.
Catastrophizing
Extreme linear thinking combined with pessimism and cynicism, catastrophizing is finding and allowing belief in the probability of worst-case scenarios.
Anything is possible.
Jumping to conclusions about the likelihood of disaster only compounds problems. Stagnation and unproductive rumination are standard operating procedures for the catastrophizer.
Control what you can.
Detrimental mindsets only make worst-case scenarios more possible. They create new, unnecessary problems. They’re harmful form of non-linear thinking.
Prepare for the worst while orienting toward the best.
Specific adverse thought: “If this traffic doesn’t end, I’m going to miss this interview and not get my dream job!”
Reframing strategy: “I can’t control this traffic. What can I control? I’m going to call the office to let them know the situation and go from there.”
Beneficial skill: Cognitive flexibility; Realistic optimism; Nonlinear thinking; Resilience.
Stupidity
Ignorance is being unaware of what you don’t know. We are all ignorant in many realms.
Stupidity is being conscious of your incompetence and acting like you’re competent. Knowing you don’t know shit and carrying on like you do is stupid.
False confidence is moronic and potentially dangerous.
Ignorance = subconscious incompetence
Stupidity = conscious incompetence while acting consciously competent
Growth Mindset = conscious incompetence working toward conscious competence
Mastery = subconscious competence
Becoming consciously competent requires months to years of a quality practice in a given domain. Mastery requires significantly more.
One may never be able to master his mind, but he can definitely optimize his thinking patterns by not being stupid…
Specific adverse thought: “I know what I’m talking about because I watched a documentary.”
Reframing strategy: “I’m not an expert and even experts can be wrong. I’m going to withhold absolute judgement on this.”
Beneficial skill: Wisdom; Resilience.
Fear
Fear doesn’t protect you; it guides you.
Okay… fear can protect you from legitimate danger. Life-threatening fears aside, reflection on and gradually exposure yourself to your aversions is an excellent opportunity for growth.
Nothing feels better than overcoming adversity.
Nothing feels worse than avoiding beneficial challenge.
Fueling fear weakens the soul.
Reframe aversions into opportunities.
If one can become comfortable with makes her the most uncomfortable, imagine what else she can do.
You can’t be courageous without fear.
You can’t be resilient without stress.
Train the skills of bravery and resilience with deliberate discomfort.
Specific adverse thought: “I’ll never get in a car again because of the accident.”
Reframing strategy: “I’ll work my way back at my own pace.”
Beneficial skill: Courage. Confidence. Resilience.
Reflection
I’ve provided 28 detrimental mindsets with examples.
We all have specific phrases that arise which present the best opportunity for intervention.
Take a few moments to reflect on some of your negative thinking patterns and drop them the comments below so we can improve together.
Summary
I can’t emphasize enough that our thinking patterns are prone to plasticity like anything else. Perceived hardship initiates adverse thought generation. Therefore, the most efficient and effective way to train reframing of your unique negative thinking patterns is to thrust yourself into adversity.
Physical exertion
Deliberate heat or cold exposure
Fasting from your vices
Difficult conversations with difficult people
Patience and presence with children
Talking in public
The options are endless.
Pursue discomfort.
Induce the stress response.
Learn what your inner demons like to pollute your mind with and then consistently work to abolish them.
Your greatest opponent in life is only one thought away.
Continue to make ground in the lifelong war within by preparing strategies prior to controlled chaos.
“These are the characteristics of the rational soul: self-awareness, self-examination, and self-determination. It reaps its own harvest… It succeeds its own purpose.”
-Marcus Aurelius
A rational soul is a skill that can be trained.
Haha how many favourite posts can I have?! This one is just so jam packed with insights, I don't even know where to start. As frustrating (and inevitable) as negative thinking can be you have many great alternatives. It's critical we remember that there is plasticity in our mindsets, if we can be aware enough to see them. I'll be saving this post to remember to come back when I'm in a spiral. Great work Kyle!
This is a gold mine, Kyle. I'll enjoy continuing to read these through the weekend. Fantastic reminders and insight.