Dogged by Recurrent Thoughts?

Lately I’ve been dogged by these recurrent thoughts. I’m sure you can relate. In this particular instance, I’ve been concerned--like many at my workplace--about the impact of proposed change to the organisation structure, the functions of roles affected, and alignment with new objectives.

Now, this change apparently doesn’t affect me as much as others, but there’s a little voice inside me that says there’s enough reason to think about it, and the general impacts. In any one hour I could think about this several times, cogitating for up to several minutes each time before recognising what is happening and then re-focussing.

And that is the point.

Any number of things can present concerns for us. We then end up in ‘looped’ thought patterns, which further entrench our thinking and perceptions. And this is the lie of our own fabricated reality; part true, sure, but missing some vital information and constructed upon at least some incorrect premises, assumptions no less.

The only way out of this dilemmatic thinking is to challenge it and be ever vigilant, disciplining our minds in the moment to get rid of the patterned thoughts the moment we become aware, toward the goal of doing this instantly the thoughts arrive.

The truth is this: from the organisational change, any amount of permeations might occur, none of which I’m likely to either predict or impact. So, why should I worry or even allow it to consume any of my energy by musing on it? It’s a waste of mental and emotional effort.

Yet, we’re all creatures of mental habit. We all tend to think on things too much, or at least most of us are like this. Our brains cycle in and out of the win/lose scenarios and we’re engaged emotionally and subconsciously, as well as consciously, most of the time.

Recurrent thoughts, unless we’re part of the actual problem or solution, can only be harmful.

We must train ourselves to not go there. We must become aware of how much these thoughts bear on us, and then resolve to do something about it.

The discipline involved, however, will not be easy, but it is achievable and entirely worth it in the longer run.

Let’s not settle for humdrum, unchallenged thinking.

Copyright © 2009, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved.