“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This quote, attributed to Albert Einstein, is factually incorrect. When something is not working, you need to try new methods. However, your thoughts need to shift before you can implement a new strategy. A paradigm shift in thinking is a dramatic change of beliefs that alter your behavior. Once your mind processes thoughts differently, you can better deal with and adapt to situations.
In the 1980s, paradigm thinking was referred to as a “quantum leap.” The concept was founded by Thomas Kuhn, a physicist, and philosopher. Paradigm shifts replace old thoughts with new thinking patterns. The dramatic change applies to various fields and individual or group settings. Science, culture, sports, leadership, and education commonly see these leaps. People then act differently and change how they do something. You can develop your own or copy someone’s paradigm.
A limited paradigm refers to feeling stuck in an endless rut no matter what you try. Negative thought patterns form when you experience limitations. It takes a lot, but you need to adjust your attitude. A positive mindset will change your behavior, and you’ll start seeing results. How does one change their paradigm, you may ask? The simple answer is patience and practice.
Old habits die hard, but you need to break your ways of thinking. All Stressed Up and Nowhere to Go shows how thought patterns disrupt your daily life.
List What’s Working and What’s Not: Write down what approaches help you get ahead and those that don’t. Once you can see what’s holding you back, you can ditch that method. If you have to listen to podcasts or watch videos for motivation, do it. You can take people’s advice, but if it’s not working, it’s not for you. Feel free to list or recite inspirational quotes. When you see or repeat something over and over again, it sinks into your subconscious. Unknowingly, you’ll start seeing results. You need to shed certain attitudes that get you stuck.
Question Your Preconceived Notions: Examine your inner thoughts and identify what’s real and what’s not. For example, 9 out of 10 people compliment you on something. Distinguish fact from fiction. Are you solely focusing on the one person who did not recognize you? Has one view out of ten been consuming you? Looking at the situation logically, why are one person’s opinions bothering you so much? Carefully interpret the facts with reason, not emotion.
Identify Your Emotional Triggers: Keep a journal and write down your thoughts and feelings. Work towards establishing a positive mindset and go back and examine what you’ve written. You’ll be able to view your “paradigm” and see what causes strong emotions in you. You Can’t Trust Your Own Mind shows how the brain plays tricks on you. We carry “selective memories” and narrate a story in our minds, and sometimes, the story isn’t true. By identifying issues that trigger emotions, you can have a positive breakthrough.
Be Open to Taking a Different View: You might be wrong about how you see the world. Not everyone is against you, which forms a confirmation bias in your mind. Learn as much as you can and accept new knowledge. If you have strong beliefs on something, open-mindedness can help shift your paradigm. Sometimes, people reject new knowledge so strongly it physically affects them. The Semmelweis Effect is a reflex that occurs when someone denies any evidence that goes against their paradigm.
Take Note of all Accomplishments: Any time you take a step forward, even if it’s small, make a note of it. Keeping a daily gratitude journal forces you to find the good in each day. Finding something you’re grateful for might take work if you’re buried in negativity. Every night, write down your “wins” of the day. You’ll be able to see you don’t have it so bad and can go back and reflect on the good.
You’ll start seeing slow incremental improvements in your life, and it won’t happen overnight or in a week. You have just to be consciously aware and work on shifting your paradigm. This article has tips on how to transform negative thoughts into positive actions. You can also learn about different thought patterns in another one of our blogs.