By: Nanette Fairley
August 17, 2021

 

As a young psychologist I was introduced to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) where one of the core principles proposes that psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.  It makes sense then, that treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns among other things.

I love the wisdom of Seth Godin, US based author and business executive.  Seth writes regular posts and this weeks got me reflecting on the importance of how you think about a situation.

Speed Bumps

We’re either going or we’re not going. We get to make that decision every day. Perhaps you’ve decided:

We’re going.

That detour we hit, the pothole we narrowly avoided, the interruption that was unexpected–we experienced them, and we decided that we’re still going.

Speed bumps are real. They’re a warning, or they’re unavoidable, and they hurt. Speed bumps cannot be denied.

A speed bump that stops us from going is an obstacle.

Often, the only difference between a speed bump and an obstacle is our decision about which one it is.  Onward.

Seth Godin

When you are faced with a challenge do you think about it as a speed bump OR an obstacle?  Do you think about it in a way that is temporary, solvable and able to be negotiated?  Or is it an immovable, solid and permanent obstacle that stops you moving forward?

You might benefit from reflecting on the last few challenges in your life………..how did you think about them?  How long did they impact you for?  See any themes?  Are any currently presenting as obstacles that you could turn into speed bumps by thinking about them differently?

This quote from Maya Angelou may resonate here….

                        “You may not control all of the events that happen to you,

                          But you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

#speedbumps  #CBT  #overcomingobstacles  #retirementplanning  #thinkingmakesadifference