Thoughts Affect Actions
What does “Thoughts affect actions” mean
What you think can change what you do.
Q: Name one common thinking trap.
A: “I don’t care” or “Everyone’s against me.”
Q: Flip this trap: “I’ll never get out.”
A: “If I follow the rules, I’ll get out sooner.”
Q: Staff tells you to redo your chore. What’s a helpful thought you could use?
A: “They want me to do it right so I can earn privileges.”
If you think “Staff is picking on me,” what action might you take?
Argue, refuse to do chores, get upset.
Q: Why is “Nobody likes me” a thinking trap?
A: It’s not true and makes you feel alone.
Q: Flip this trap: “Nothing ever works for me.”
A: “Some things have worked before. I can keep trying.”
Q: You get a bad grade. What’s a new thought you could use?
A: “I can get help and do better next time.”
Give an example of a positive thought leading to a positive action.
“If I finish my chores, I’ll get extra phone time” → does chores
Q: What trap is it when you think “If I mess up, it’s all over”?
A: Catastrophizing (making things seem worse than they are).
Q: Flip this trap: “If I get mad, I can’t help it.”
A: “I can notice when I’m mad and choose what I do.”
Q: You feel left out when others are joking. What’s a new thought you could use?
A: “Maybe they aren’t trying to leave me out. I can ask to join.”
Q: What’s the first thing you should do when you notice a negative thought?
A: Pause and think before acting.
Q: What’s the danger of the “I don’t care” trap?
A: It stops you from trying and hurts your chances for good things.
Q: Flip this trap: “I’m a failure.”
A: “Everyone messes up sometimes. I can learn and try again.”
Q: You’re angry after an argument. What’s a new thought you could use to stay safe?
A: “I can take a break and calm down before I do anything.”