Your mindset—the way you perceive and interpret the world around you—holds incredible power over your mental and emotional well-being. Often, our automatic thinking patterns shape our mindset and the lens through which we see the world without us even realizing it. With awareness and practice, you can identify unhelpful thoughts, interrupt them, and intentionally shift toward a healthier, restored mindset. You have the power to choose your thoughts and direct your focus.
How Thoughts Shape Your Reality
Every thought you think sends a biochemical signal to your brain, producing emotions that reflect those thoughts. Over time, repetitive thought patterns hardwire your brain to reinforce those emotions, creating a cycle. For instance:
The key is breaking this cycle by interrupting automatic thoughts and consciously choosing new ones that align with the reality you want to create. This requires intentionality and practice.
Understanding Automatic Thoughts
Automatic thoughts are the immediate, reflexive responses your brain generates in reaction to situations, people, or even your own emotions. These thoughts often occur so quickly that you might not even be aware of them, yet they can influence your feelings, behaviors, and biochemistry profoundly. For example:
These thought patterns are subconscious programs that were imprinted by past experiences or absorbed experiences that may not even be yours. These patterns often emerge as:
To renew your mind, you must first become aware of these patterns. These types of negative or unhelpful thoughts can lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or hopelessness, perpetuating a cycle that dominos into other areas of your life. Pay attention to the thoughts and emotions that dominate your day. What beliefs are fueling them?
I want to leave you with this: you are not your thoughts. This is one of the most powerful concepts to grasp that I share with clients. You have the power to choose! If you are ready to dive into your thoughts, let’s work together to restore your mindset.
In health,
Kathleen Hotze, MS, LPC, HHP