Concrete thinking is literal thinking, focused on the physical world. It is the opposite of abstract or emotional thinking. People engaged in concrete thinking focus on the facts on the here and now, physical objects, and literal definitions (Concrete Thinking – GoodTherapy 2015).
Objective thinking is Not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts; unbiased: an objective opinion. Intent upon or dealing with things external to the mind rather than with thoughts or feelings, as a person or a book (Objective | Define Objective at Dictionary.com 2018).
I’m going to talk about concrete thinking as it pertains to anxiety. When you are having a lot of stress or an anxiety attack, you can always remember to check the facts.
What is really going on?
What am I afraid of happening?
Is this fear is based on reality?
What can I do?
What can I do right now?
Am I in control?
Once you have answered these questions listed above, then you can start to look at the bigger picture and re-assess your situation.
The emotional mind is quick to give us ways to solve our problems? Practicing mindfulness and checking the facts will give you another perception of the situation.
Your Emotional mind will want to take control and solve the problem. But when our emotions take hold, we don’t see what the outcome is we only see what we feel.
For instance, if you hate your job and you quit right away. Quitting will feel good. You proved to them that no one could push you around. However, now you are unemployed and have no income to pay the bills. So, you are forced to take whatever job comes along. You were not in control of your decisions. The circumstances were in control of you. The situation, whatever it may have been caused you to make an irrational decision.
Your Emotional mind created a domino effect that can steer the rest of your life.
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