Why can’t I stop thinking about it when I try not to?
· Source: Wegner et al., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1987
Ever tried not to think about something? In 1987, psychologists asked students not to think of a white bear. They sat alone in a room and said every passing thought out loud into a tape recorder, for five minutes. Each time the bear came to mind, they rang a bell. It rang more than once a minute. Later, when they were allowed to think about it, the bear came back even more. But one group had a plan: if the bear shows up, think of a red Volkswagen instead. Their rebound was smaller. So don't fight the thought. Say it once, in full, then give your mind one small job you can finish.