In the previous sections, you learnt about some of the common negative thoughts that can cause unhappiness. If you are to find happiness, it is important to overcome such thoughts when they arise. To help with this, I will provide simple mental techniques you can use to challenge negative thoughts. You can think of these as “tools”, and there is a variety of them that you can use.
Of course, the tools you use to deal with your thoughts are not metal tools, like those a mechanic might use!
Rather, the tools use your inner voice to “challenge” your thoughts. The concept of an inner voice is not as unusual as you might imagine. Everyone has an inner voice, which is the voice you use when “thinking” to yourself. The voice you hear when reading something is your inner voice. In fact, right now, as you read the sentences of this website, it’s your inner voice that you hear!
As we proceed along this website, I will describe various tools you can use to challenge negative thoughts using your inner voice. The “way” of challenging will differ depending on the tool used. Depending on the thought being challenged, you can pick a tool you find easy to use and effective. It will be much like how a car mechanic uses different tools to fix a car that is not running well.
You may find that some of the tools appear to be “simple”, which may tempt you to dismiss them. Do not confuse “simple” with being “ineffective”! Many solutions in life do not have to be complex, and the key is to judge for yourself whether something is helpful. You should not prejudge; instead, you should give the tools a chance before putting them away.
Negative ways of thinking can develop over many years and become entrenched in your mind, making it resistant to change. Therefore, please allow the tools time to work. Do not expect instant cures.
As you encounter the various tools, do try them out. Keep the ones you like in your imaginary toolbox; put aside the rest.
