(“THAWT MAN-ij-muhnt”)
/noun/
Definition
Thought management is using awareness of your thoughts to guide them intentionally, choosing which to engage with, redirect, or release so you can respond rather than react automatically.
Clarification
Thought management is not about eliminating negative or unhelpful thoughts. Everyone has them. Instead, it’s about noticing patterns, deciding which thoughts deserve attention, and adjusting your thinking to support your goals, wellbeing, and clarity. Thought management applies both in the moment and when reflecting on past experiences.
Examples
- Catching yourself before spiraling into a catastrophic “what if” scenario and choosing to ask questions instead
- Redirecting focus from worries about the future to actions you can take now
- Replacing self-critical thoughts with constructive ones
- Choosing to disengage from divisive or unhelpful content
- Noticing an old belief driving frustration and deciding to respond calmly instead
Thought management is one of the two core elements of thought literacy, alongside thought awareness.