The Thought Is Not the Problem — What You Do With It Is.

You know those thoughts that just pop into your head out of nowhere?

You’re making breakfast, sorting out the school run, maybe about to join a meeting and boom. “I’m not doing enough.” “I should be more organised.” “Everyone else seems to have it together.”

Sound familiar?

What do you do with that thought?

Do you simply notice it and let it drift by?

Or do you grab hold of it, chew it over and let it ruin your morning?

As women, especially high-achieving working mums, we’re constantly thinking about the kids, the job, the dinner, the relationship, the next thing and the thing after that. So when a sneaky little negative thought sneaks in it’s easy to believe it. To let it become a story. And then a negative spiral. A whole mood.

What if you realised that a thought is not the same as thinking?

Thoughts Are Harmless. Until You Think About Them.

A thought on its own? It’s neutral. It’s just your brain doing what brains do, producing stuff. Thoughts are like clouds drifting across the sky. 

What makes the difference is when you start thinking about that thought. You give it airtime. You let it take up space. You start assigning meaning, and before you know it that tiny passing cloud becomes a full-on thunderstorm.

“I had a thought…” …turns into… “Now I’m feeling anxious, short-tempered and not good enough.” 

The shift from thought to thinking is where the power is. 

Because it’s in that moment that you get to choose.

You Always Have a Choice – Here’s How to Take It Back

It all starts with awareness.

So if you’ve been finding yourself overthinking, spiralling or just generally feeling overwhelmed, here are my top five tips to help you regain control of your thoughts, boost your self-esteem and lead with confidence.

Notice the Thought Without Judgement

Become the observer. Pause and notice: “Oh, there’s that thought again.” No need to label it as good or bad, just see it.

Don’t Engage the Story

You don’t have to dive into a full mental investigation. Remember, just because you think it, doesn’t mean it’s true. 

Anchor Yourself in the Present

Grounding techniques will help you to stay present and avoid going down an unwanted path. Whether it’s deep breathing, a body scan or focusing on what’s around you, it brings you back.