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Ever have a moment where you suddenly realize you've slipped back into old thought patterns? In this episode, we dive into what happens when those default ways of thinking return - and how to move past them without getting stuck.

When Old Thought Patterns Come Knocking

After my emergency surgery for a perforated IUD (yes, really!), I found myself sliding back into victim mode thinking - feeling angry about missing work, frustrated about not having sick leave, and generally falling into old patterns of negativity and blame.

Sound familiar? These default thought patterns don't just magically disappear, even when we've made significant progress. They can return during times of stress, fatigue, or when we're facing situations that trigger old memories.

The good news? We don't have to stay stuck there! Here's how to notice and move beyond those default thoughts:

Three Steps to Break Free from Default Thinking

1. Notice without judgment When those old thought patterns appear, simply acknowledge them: "There are those thoughts again. I notice my brain is telling me I should feel angry/powerless/overwhelmed here." Sometimes we notice the thoughts directly, but often we catch the emotions first - that familiar feeling of being drained, resentful, or stuck can be your first clue.
2. Recognize the discrepancy This is where the magic happens! Take a moment to notice the gap between your default thinking and who you are now. "This doesn't feel like me anymore. This isn't how I typically think these days." This recognition helps us see how far we've come and prevents us from believing we've lost all our progress.
3. Be kind as you let go Instead of, "I can't believe I'm thinking this way again! What's wrong with me?" try "Yes, these are thoughts I've had before. This is an old pattern. We don't do that anymore, and it's completely normal these thoughts showed up during a stressful time." Kindness works better than judgment every time!

Changing Thoughts vs. Changing Circumstances

Here's a truth bomb: If you keep the same thoughts but change your circumstances (like leaving medicine to become a barista or work on a beach), you'll have the same emotional experience - just in a different place.

That doesn't mean we should never change circumstances! But if we want to feel different, we need to think differently. The good news is we can practice new thought patterns regardless of our situation.

Remember This

We're all on a journey. The place you are now is further along than where you were last year, five years ago, or ten years ago. When we intentionally work on our thought patterns, we're building the foundation for the next version of ourselves.

Those people you admire who seem to have it all figured out? They've faced challenges too - they've just made different decisions about how to navigate them. And you can do the same.

Want More?

Reach out to schedule a time to chat about how we can work together to change those old thought patterns that keep you feeling burned out and exhausted. Schedule a chat here:

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: [email protected]

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