Not only do our thoughts affect what we say, but also what we say affects our thinking. In the following we have 3 Mindable tips for you, with which you can easily learn to positively influence your thinking through language and strengthen your self-efficacy.
Not only do our thoughts affect what we say, but also what we say affects our thinking. In the following we have 3 Mindable tips for you, with which you can easily learn to positively influence your thinking through language and strengthen your self-efficacy.
1. Always is not always the same
We always tend to use the word “always” always. But actually, not everything that happens is always the same, right? By consciously trying to leave out the word “always” or to replace it with the word “often“, we give ourselves the chance to look at things in a more differentiated way. Because probably not every one of your panic attacks is always the same and you are not always equally scared in every situation, are you?
“When I do XY, I am afraid (more often/often)” instead of
“When I do XY, I am always afraid.”
2. Until now you were afraid
When you talk about your fear, be it with others or in your thoughts with yourself, try to use the little words so far. Because so far you were afraid, but that may change from now on 🙂 Through this little word you whisper the message to your subconscious that the fear is in your past and does not necessarily have to influence your present and future.
“So far I have been afraid of…” instead of
“I am afraid of…”. “So far I have had panic attacks when …” instead of“I have panic attacks when …”
3. Not yet
“I can’t do it!” is often one of the first phrases that flash through our minds or tumble out of our mouths as soon as we find ourselves in an anxiety-provoking situation. Next time you feel this way, try putting the word “yet” in front of the “not“. A “yet” can also be wonderfully supplemented by a “so far“. With this you can also whisper to your subconscious that it may let go of fear and the past in order to look forward to the present and the future – free of fear.
“I’m so scared that I so far can’t/didn’t do XY (yet).” instead of
“I’m so scared that I can’t do XY.”
And while we’re on the subject of “language changes thinking“, here’s a little note from us:
You may have already noticed that we use the gender colon on our homepage as well as within the app. It’s important to us that you all feel equally addressed and that no one is discriminated against. And just between us: the generic masculine is now simply out. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve inclusion in other areas, please feel free to send us an email at team@mindable.health .
