Think about thinking is crucial to understanding our own mental thought processing. We as humans generally lack self-awareness when it comes to our own process of thought. We consider a problem from the point of view of our own biases, preconceived notions, and personal histories without ever questioning those biases, notions or histories objectively. We know what we think, but not why we think it. This poses a problem because it reduces our ability to truly problem-solve or think critically. When we can’t answer the question of why we think a certain way, we have no way of measuring the validity of the conclusions we arrive at. In other words, if every thought we have is run through our automatic subjectivity filter, it drastically reduces our capability for truly independent thought! This causes many problems in our lives because we you cant see the full problem for what it is you cannot solve it correctly.

1. The first step of THINK.ABOUT.THINKING is to understand that every thought has underlining emotions attached to them. 

2. The Second Step to THINK. ABOUT. THINKING is to find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Also remove as many distractions as possible. 

3. The third step to THINK.ABOUT.THINKING is to break down your thought process and think about all the emotions that can be attached to them. 

• Ex. becoming angry that my husband was unable to follow through with date night. I might ask my self is this anger valid, and are my emotions attached to them the fault of my husband. Does my husband consistently flake on date night, and what other issues are we having that have highlighted this situation in my mind? If you come to the conclusion that it isn’t him, then ask yourself is it me am I still struggling with childhood abandonment and my husbands’ actions worried me that he may not want me anymore?  Do I feel lonely? Am I taking advantage of the time spent away from my husband or am I sulking every time he is away.

4. Speak your thoughts allowed so that you may be validated in them, also so that you can accept them.

• This is the time you can attempt conflict resolution, if your problem included others. 

“THINK.ABOUT.THINKING” allows you to achieve a deeper understanding of your own thought processes, and it is a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving a successful life. Use this skill to think about anything that requires extra though. This will allow you to better control your emotions, which in turn allows you to have control over your actions. If you can master this skill you will see your interpersonal and personal relationships change drastically.