MIND: Top Tip to Overcome Negative Thinking

Don’t think of a purple elephant! Did you just…think of a purple elephant? This is called the ‘ironic process theory’. It’s a kind of psychology paradox: if you’re trying to avoid thinking about something in particular, you’re more likely to think about that thing. Theorists suggest that it’s very simple: in order to know what thoughts you want to avoid, you have to think those thoughts. And when we think bigger than a purple elephant, this means that by trying to stop yourself thinking negative thoughts or focusing on negative emotions, you might actually heighten the power of those thoughts. Instead of suppressing the thoughts you don’t want you can work on replacing them. Allow yourself acknowledge why you don’t want those thoughts, and then cultivate thoughts that balance them out. For example, instead of refusing to admit you’re scared, you could choose to acknowledge your fear and then focus on confidence and bravery.