Jay Shetty

The cognitive psychologist Aaron Beck, the founder of cognitive behavioral therapy, one of the most evidence-based psychological frameworks we have, identified something he called automatic thoughts.

Rapid, reflexive mental commentary that runs continuously below the level of deliberate thinking.

And he found that in people experiencing depression, anxiety, and relational difficulties, these automatic thoughts shared consistent characteristics.

They were distorted.

They were negative.

They were experienced as unquestionable truth.

The thought arrives.

It feels true.

Therefore, it is true.

Beck's entire therapeutic revolution was built on one insight.

The thought is not the truth.

The thought is a hypothesis, and like any hypothesis, it can be tested.

Marcus Aurelius wrote in his meditations, You have power over your mind, not outside events.

Realize this and you will find strength.

Here's the immediate application.

It's three words, and I want you to use them every time a thought arrives that feels like an indictment.

Is this true?

Yes.

Not is this possible?

Not could this be true?