How We Construct the World We Live In

Though usually unaware of our thoughts, we are always thinking. We only focus on our thinking when we interrupt a routine or are forced to make new choices in uncertain circumstances. Our unconscious thoughts, which we call cognitive events®, affect our feelings and our behavior.

We frequently develop negative self-talk when we have difficulty in a particular area. Self-talk is
our unconscious interpretation, evaluation, and commentary about who we are and our capability. For example, a person typically troubled with math engages in negative self-talk such as “This is too hard. I can’t do it. I’m stupid.”

Over time, our thoughts form cognitive structures®, our framework of assumptions, beliefs, and interpretations determining our habitual ways of seeing our world and ourselves. Cognitive structures operate as unconscious blueprints affecting the way we process information and the way we behave. Negative cognitive structures perpetuate ineffective behavior. When we face a problem within our capabilities, we believe it is not. Moreover, we may block attempts to help us learn how to resolve it.

We tend to ignore information contradicting our beliefs and welcome information confirming it.
For example, people who believe they learn easily embrace new learning challenges, while others who believe they are not good learners avoid them. People who believe others are working against them may resist well-intentioned assistance. Without changing unconscious patterns of self-talk, those of us with negative views of our abilities and ourselves find it hard to incorporate new behaviors and new learning

Therefore, a crucial part of learning new skills includes changing our unconscious thinking to accept new learning. At AILCD, we help clients develop cognitive structures to support their new
abilities so they eagerly embrace new, more efficient behavior.