from a paper I wrote eons ago
Changed thinking requires availability of a competing thought, relevance of the new thought to the retrieval situation, and practice at retrieving that new thought.
1. Availability of a Competing Thought
You can’t replace a thought with nothing. Replacement thoughts must be meaningful and relevant. Thought suppression fails when participants are left to their own devices to provide suitable distracting thoughts.
2. Relevance of the New Thought
The replacement must fit the situation. Highly activated thoughts are used only when applicable to the target.
3. Practice Retrieving the New Thought
Repeated retrieval strengthens the new thought and inhibits the old one. Over time, the new thought becomes automatic.
If you’re not sure you agree with this – look at your high school year book photo. However it applies to more than just fashion and hairstyles. It probably applies to your work skills and your world views. Hopefully we are constantly learning and updating what we know and think as we encounter new information. Growth requires change.
Puzzle Pieces Coaching 