Building the Skillset for Thoughts

This timeline documents the structured development of the skill set for thoughts, thought literacy. The work developed through overlapping phases of study, research, experimentation, teaching, and publication. Included are milestones that materially shaped the structure and formal definition of thought literacy. The timeline will be updated as the skill set continues to evolve.

Thought Literacy Timeline

• August 2018 – Began weekly therapy; diagnosed with c-PTSD, high-functioning depression, and generalized anxiety. Started researching thoughts, including philosophy, current ideologies, cognitive and emotional techniques, and therapeutic approaches.
• January 2019 – Started sharing insights on emotional intelligence and understanding the subconscious via blog posts and social media.
• August 2020 – Eliminated persistent night terrors by identifying cognitive patterns and applying self-developed strategies, demonstrating early practice of thought literacy techniques.
• December 2020 – Completed certifications in CBT, REBT, and EQ.
• May 2022 – Entered remission from c-PTSD and depression.
• July 2023 – First published use of the term “thought literacy” in an article linking awareness of thoughts to financial decision-making.
• April 2024 – Published first book, Overthink, in the Thoughtbook series, introducing the ICE Method and positive/adaptive thought modeling; began developing cognitive clarity frameworks and writing Middle Think (second book).
• May 2024 – Overthink endorsed by a clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience; listed on “Must-Read Books” list.
• May 2024 – Delivered TEDx talk on thought management.
• June 2024 – Overthink included in MBR Bookwatch for exceptional writing in a particular niche.
• June & August 2024 – Quotes and insights published in Business Insider, VeryWell Mind, and other outlets, highlighting practical applications of thought literacy.
• July 2024 – Contacted Temple University about a PhD to continue research; clinical options only were available, so I continued independently.
• May 2025 – Officially defined thought literacy and began formalizing the skill set.
• July 2025 – Launched thought swaps and adaptive thought integration models.
• December 2025 – Published first Thought Swaps book.
• January 2026 – Published the Five Drivers for Self-Awareness framework, identifying five consistent internal drivers to help build thought awareness.
• February 2026 – Outlined Cognitive Reverse Engineering as a method for thought literacy skill building.
• February 2026 – Began cataloging thought literacy as a meta-skill underlying other cognitively-based skills and frameworks.

Thought literacy is an independent initiative. If you find this work valuable and want to help it continue, please consider supporting further research and development. Your support helps make this life-changing framework accessible to more people.