What is limited thinking?
On your path to achieving your goals, you may run into barriers and constraints that slow you down. Some of these barriers and constraints are of you own making. The thoughts that keep you from moving toward your goals are limited thinking. Thoughts are just another behavior that you can practice and change! You can train yourself to think differently. Practicing productive thoughts can lead to productive outcomes!
Group Discussion: What are some thoughts you have that keep you from achieving your goals?
Catastrophizing: Thinking as if every bad thing that happens is a horrible disaster. Instead, recognize that bad things happen. They may be disruptive, but that does not mean they are disasters. There are ways to overcome the problem!
Expecting the Worst: Expecting the worst may cause the worst to happen. This is called self-fulfilling prophecy. Changing your expectations can actually change the outcome! A large part of success depends on your thoughts.
Stereotyping: A stereotype is an overgeneralized perception about a group of people. Stereotypes can put people into categories instead of seeing each other as unique. Instead, remember that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses, and we can use these traits to help each other succeed.
Shoulds: This is holding absolute rules or values for yourself and comparing yourself to others. Saying you or something “should be” a certain way puts you in a box. Instead, think about where and who you are right now and how you can use this position to take another step.
Thinking in Absolutes: Thinking in absolutes means using words such as “always” or “never.” For example, “I can never make payments” or “I always screw this up.” Instead, tell yourself how you can do things differently to change the outcome. Remember, your expectations can change the outcome!
Either/Or Thinking: This category involves believing that something is either one way or the other with no in-between. A situation is not all good or all bad. If a problem occurs, don’t give up. Find the middle ground where you can grow.
Negative Labels: Labels put people into boxes and can lead to stereotypes or negative self-talk. Give yourself positive characteristics, and realize that people are complicated and changing.
Excuses: Excuses are explanations that people give to justify problematic actions. If you think of reasons to avoid something, question whether these reasons are realistic or excuses.
Personalization: Personalizing is when you assume that the actions of others always relate to you. Other people’s comments and actions are more often general rather than a personal attack and may have nothing to do with you. Instead of worrying that you are the center of an issue, think about how other people’s actions fit into their situation rather than just yours.
Personal Reflection: Choose two types of limited thinking from above that you have the most trouble with and write them here. Give an example from your experience of each of these types of limited thinking.
Example from my life: _________________________________________________________________________________
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Example from my life: _________________________________________________________________________________
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Thoughts are like habits. Just like behavior, you can change how you tend to think in certain situations. Write thoughts to replace the examples you wrote above that can help you reach your goals instead of limiting you.
Weekly Challenge: Focus on your thoughts. Why are you thinking these thoughts? Are they keeping you from succeeding? Have you fallen into habits in your thoughts that limit you? This week, practice responding to situations with thoughts that encourage you and expand your potential.
“If you accept a limiting belief, then it will become a truth for you.” ―Louise Hay
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