Solving the equation for Bad Emotional Math, can start today, all you need to do is take that first step.

Surprisingly, equations are an essential part of everyday life. They help us find things on Google, and help us find directions when we drive.

There are a hidden set of equations that can increase your anxiety, or constrict your thinking, and thus lead to a more depressive reaction. I have affectionately called these equations “Bad Emotional Math”.

Bad Emotional Math
Who I am = How I think other perceive me
Who I am = What I accomplished
Who I am = What others say about me

If you closely read the above three statements, you will notice with each statement that a person is hinging their sense of self on only one aspect of who they are, and how they behave in the world. It’s this type of thinking pattern that leaves people feeling constricted and trapped into only one way of functioning in the world.

Every one of these beliefs can be changed.

To end some of these faulty thinking patterns, let’s start with addressing one of the biggest hurdles involved with Bad Emotional Math:

“You get into the habit of making things equal, when they are not.”

Spend a couple minutes now actually studying the statements above.

As you proceed to look at each one of your belief systems that lead to “Bad Emotional Math”, you will start to see, for instance, that you are so much more than how you think people perceive you, more than your accomplishments, and more than what others say about you.

Good Emotional Math
Who I am > How I think other perceive me
Who I am > What I accomplished/expressed
Who I am > What others say about me

By replacing your thought patterns with good emotional math, you will be able to let go of a lot of pressure that you put on yourself. Hopefully you will find that you can relax with greater ease, be calmer, and happier. Addressing each belief, and how you can change the related thought patterns that go along with them, will go a long way in relieving stress, so that you can find a greater sense of inner peace.

Changing your thinking – and thus, changing your experience – often requires untangling the layered knot that includes what you feel, what you think, and how you think. Doing so will help you find an inner peace, that leads to an understanding of why you feel the way you feel.

The process to living a life you love all starts with practicing “Good Emotional Math”, and I know that you can take those steps starting today.

This weeks action step:
For each Bad Emotional Math belief you have, ask yourself how you might have developed it. Write about the disadvantages you have faced by holding this belief. Then write about what new thoughts you may need to think to maintain the practice of Good Emotional Math beliefs.

Sending my best,
Dr. Joan Rosenberg

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