6 Thinking Styles to Avoid
by John Thurman
Have you ever noticed how quickly your mind can get distracted by negative thoughts that seem to come out of nowhere? You are not alone—almost everyone experiences this at times.
Today, I want to briefly overview the Top Six “Stinking Thinking” patterns discussed in my book, *Get a Grip on Depression*. I’ll also share some questions you can ask yourself and practical steps you can take to reduce the influence of these negative patterns.
Here they are:
1. Jumping to Conclusions: Assuming you understand a situation without sufficient evidence.
Action Plan: Slow down and ask yourself, “Do I have evidence that supports my belief, or am I jumping the gun?”
2. Mind Reading: Believing you know what someone else is thinking or expecting them to know your thoughts.
Action Plan: Communicate openly. Ask, “Have I expressed myself clearly, or am I expecting them to read my mind?”
3. Me, Me, Me: Thinking you are the sole cause of every problem.
Action Plan: Consider external factors by asking, “How did others or circumstances contribute to my current situation?”
4. Them, Them, Them: Believing others or circumstances are responsible for every problem.
Action Plan: Reflect inwardly, “What role did I play in this situation?”
5. Always, Always, Always: Assuming adverse events are permanent and unchangeable.
Action Plan: Take control by asking, “What aspects can I change or influence?”
6. Everything, Everything: Judging yourself or others based on a single situation.
Action Plan: Focus on specific behaviors by questioning, “What specific actions led to this situation?”
Remember 2 Corinthians 10:5: “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (NLT)
For a more in-depth look at these patterns and some scriptural stories that illustrate them, check out pages 77-93 in Get a Grip on Depression, also available at Amazon and Kindle.