8 Types of Thinking To Change Now
Challenge yourself to rise above your perceived limitations
In the journey towards manifestation/personal growth and mental well-being, identifying and altering certain thought patterns is essential.
Here are eight types of thinking that can hinder your personal, professional and spiritual life, and why it's crucial to be willing to examine them in order to thrive.
I’ve also added affirmations as well as how I made the switch within my own mind over the years.
1. Scarcity Mindset: This mindset revolves around the belief that there is never enough — be it resources, opportunities, or time. It leads to constant feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Adopting an abundance mindset, where you focus on the plentiful aspects of life, can foster a more positive and proactive approach.
What I did: I visualized that there was always enough and that the things I was worrying about would never come to fruition.
Affirmation: Dear Universe, I am the energy of abundance.
2. Negative Self-Talk: This is the inner voice that criticizes or demeans you. It can significantly lower self-esteem and lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and disappointment. Transforming this inner dialogue into a supportive, encouraging voice is key to building confidence and resilience. Say goodbye to the inner mean girl/boy and switch out your self-criticism to gratitude for who you are and who you are in the process of becoming.
When I catch myself being critical I reframe it to find something to be grateful for - no matter how small.
Affirmation: Dear Universe, I am enough just as I am.
3. Victim Mentality: People with a victim mentality perceive themselves as the perpetual target of external circumstances or others' actions. This outlook can prevent you from taking charge of your life and finding solutions to your challenges. Embracing a mindset of empowerment and accountability can be transformative. When you blame others for how you feel, you’re just handing your power over.
Affirmation: Dear Universe, I am aware of the power of self-responsibility.
4. Overthinking: The habit of ruminating excessively on a topic or decision can lead to analysis paralysis, stress, and decision-making fatigue. Ask me how I know this! Learning to recognize when you are overthinking and adopting strategies to break the cycle can lead to more decisive and effective action. Sometimes whatever you want is on the other side of fear (and overthinking).
Affirmation: Dear Universe, I am ready.
5. All-or-Nothing Thinking: This tunnel vision way of thinking sees things in extremes — something is either perfect or a total failure. This unrealistic standard can be debilitating and unproductive. Embracing the nuances and the 'gray areas' of life can lead to a more balanced and forgiving outlook. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater as the phrase goes.
Affirmation: Dear Universe, I am open to all possibilities.
6. Blaming: Blaming others for your emotional pain, or conversely, blaming yourself for every problem, can hinder personal growth and relationships. Taking responsibility for your actions and understanding that not everything is within your control can lead to greater self-awareness and healthier relationships. This one walks closely with the victim mentality.
Affirmation: Dear Universe, I take ownership of my life and my choices.
7. Jumping to Conclusions: This involves making hasty judgments without sufficient evidence. It can manifest in misinterpretations and misunderstandings in personal and professional contexts. Cultivating patience and seeking clarity before forming conclusions can improve judgment and interpersonal dynamics. My own personal philosophy is to take a pause and assess all the data before making a leap.
Affirmation: Dear Universe, I take my time and slow down to see the bigger picture at play.
8. Catastrophic Thinking: Always anticipating the worst-case scenario can be paralyzing and lead to excessive anxiety. Learning to challenge these irrational fears and considering more realistic outcomes can significantly reduce anxiety and improve decision-making. I have fallen into this pattern of thinking for most of my life. Now I embrace the power I have cultivated within my mindset.
Affirmation: Dear Universe, I am safe.
Changing these thinking patterns is not an overnight process, but with consistent effort and possibly the guidance of a mentor, you can develop a more positive, realistic, and empowering way of thinking.
Here are 3 more things that can help:
With Love & Gratitude,
Sarah Prout.