In today's world, where there is too much information, the ability to maintain mental clarity and objectivity is becoming increasingly valuable. Neutral thinking is not about indifference, but about the ability to observe events without judging them. This is a skill that helps you reduce stress, make better decisions, and build healthy relationships. In this article, we'll talk about how to think neutrally and turn this skill into a useful tool for managing your life.
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What is neutral thinking
Neutral thinking is the ability to observe events and situations without judging them as good or bad, positive or negative. This does not mean a complete absence of emotions, but rather the ability to separate facts from assessments and interpretations.
How to learn to think in a neutral way
No.1. Understanding your own assessments
The first step is to understand how often you evaluate events and situations. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings by noting when you use the words “good”, “bad”, “great”, “terrible”, etc. Writing down these moments in a journal will help you track down established thinking patterns.
#2. Separating facts from interpretations
A fact is something that can be objectively verified. Interpretation is your personal opinion based on your beliefs and experiences.
Fact: “I'm late for the meeting.”
Interpretation: “I'm a terrible person, I always screw things up.”
It is important to be able to separate facts from interpretations. Learn to focus on the actual event rather than its emotionally charged assessment.
#3. Observation practice
Develop observation skills without evaluation. Imagine you're just describing what's going on as an unbiased reporter. Pay attention to details and talk about them without making personal judgments. This skill can and should be trained, for example, by watching people in public places.
#4. Accepting uncertainty
Neutral thinking teaches us to live in peace in uncertainty. It's not always known how things will turn out, and that's okay. Don't try to control every aspect of life, learn to accept things that are beyond your control.
#5. Meditation and mindfulness
Spiritual practices help develop observation and detachment from emotions. Regular meditative “minutes” help develop the ability to observe thoughts and feelings without identifying with them.
#6. The “What Is” Technique
When you're faced with difficult emotions or situations, try the “What to eat” technique.
Ask yourself, “What's really there?” For example, instead of saying “I feel terrible,” say “I feel tight in my shoulders, heart palpitations, and thoughts of failure.”
This exercise helps to shift the focus from abstract assessments to concrete feelings.
#7. Identifying cognitive biases
Explore common cognitive biases (e.g. generalization, catastrophization, personalization). This will help you recognize them in your thoughts and correct them.
#8. Borders and self-preservation
Neutral thinking doesn't mean being passive or indulging in others' negative behavior. It is important to set healthy boundaries and protect your interests. Neutrality is a lack of emotional involvement in assessing the situation, not inaction.
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