The Power of Bullshit!

The word Bullshit often conjures images of politicians lying through their teeth, smooth talking sales people, and coworkers telling incredulous stories. It is used with alacrity to justly call out these bullshitters. The word has no timidity in it. It’s beautifully dismissive and condescending. Bullshit confidently states that you aren’t buying what they’re selling.

But the real power of Bullshit is when it’s applied inwards.

Instead of calling out your coworker for their dubious claims of rich and famous friends, start thinking about what you can call yourself out on…

“No one likes me”… Bullshit!

“I’m an awful person”… Bullshit!

“I’m not cool like them”… Bullshit!

“I’m not attractive enough”… Bullshit!

“I’m not smart enough to do this”… Bullshit!

The truth is, we all have negative and anxious thoughts at times (if you have negative, anxious, ruminating, or intrusive thoughts all the time, you should consider seeing a therapist. It is possible to break out of this type of thinking, but you might need some professional help to deal with underlying issues. Anxiety can make some horrible thoughts pop into your head. They’re not really you. Get help, you’re worth it!). By letting these negative or anxious thoughts go unchallenged, we allow them to take root in our brains. This negative self-talk is really bad for us; it’s also insidiously comfortable and perversely enjoyable.

Bullshit to the rescue! The next time you find yourself having a negative or anxious thought, call Bullshit on it! Do it forcefully. Do it confidently. Do it as many times as you need to. It takes real strength to do this, change isn’t easy, but it is possible. Create the habit of dismissing these BS thoughts! Remember, anxiety wants you to engage with it. Don’t fall for it’s trap by ruminating on these thoughts, dismiss them with Bullshit… which is exactly what they are!

Overtime, these self-challenges can really start to steer your thoughts in a positive direction. Now pair Bullshit with some positive (aka: realistic) self-talk and your thought patterns can really change. Once your thoughts change, your life will change.