It’s not uncommon for your thoughts to shift to the worst possible scenario when we’re faced with something stressful, overwhelming, or embarrassing. I have anxiety, and when I faced with any type of social situation. My mind tends to turn to irrational thinking and I jump to worst before it even happens. Thoughts of how I’m going to make a fool out of myself or how everyone won’t like me swirl around in my head. And I scare myself out of trying. But in reality, none of this is true. Our thinking can either motivate us to try new things or hold us back. So let’s look at the differences between irrational and rational and how to shift our thinking. So we can live life to the fullest.
What is rational and irrational thinking?
Rational thinking is when think using facts and stick to what you know. It includes beliefs that can be followed to live a healthy and satisfying life. And is based on what is likely to work. They’re self-helping. For example, if you were to make a mistake, an example of rational thinking would be, “lots of people make mistakes and I doubt anyone even notice.”
While irrational thinking is self-harming. It’s when your thoughts are not supported by facts, It’s also called emotional thinking. It’s unrealistic expectations and is often unlikely yo work or be true, Those who follow these belied are like yo live frustrating lives. An example of irrational thinking is feeling like an idiot after making a mistake and thinking you’ll never get an opportunity like that again.
Irrational thinking causes us to focus on our flaws. Causing us to look at ourselves in a negative light, and add fuel to our inner-bully. But you can change your thinking and shift your thoughts from irrational to rational.
Learning a new way of Thinking
When shifting your thinking from irrational to rational. The first step is to separate which thoughts are irrational and rational. Take a step back and ask yourself these three questions:
- Do these thoughts make sense, and if so what would make more sense?
- Are these thoughts consistent with know facts?
- Will these thoughts help me or hinder me?
By asking yourself these questions you’ll have a better understanding of what’s rational thought and what isn’t. As you analyze your thoughts and you’ll start to notice when your thinking is irrational. Next, think of an alternative for those thoughts.
Be mindful of your thinking. We’re not able to think rationally all the time. Sometimes our emotions overwhelm us, and we feel like we have no control over our thoughts, But the best thing we can do is try to stay present and to what we know is true.
We all have irrational thoughts. So don’t be so hard on yourself when you. The best thing you can do is evaluate the situation and go from there. Next time you find yourself shifting to irrational thinking try journaling to gain clarity. Journaling is a great way to get all those swirling thoughts out of your head and on paper. And sort through them and recognize what’s rational and irrational.
Related post: Developing a Growth Mindset
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I like to think of irrational thinking as instinctive – it’s thousands of years old that was incredibly helpful to our cavemen ancestors but incredibly obsolete in today’s world. Which is why they’re far easier to do than rational thinking. With rational thinking, one must be mindful and intentional. Love this post!
Thanks for stopping by. I agree we do have to be mindful and intentional with rational thinking.