Overcome absolute thinking in executive psychotherapy

One of the factors that can bring a person to executive psychotherapy is known as absolute thinking.

It is characterised by thinking in extreme imperatives, such as “I must”. Many an executive has destroyed their own morale, and thus performance, by imposing “I must” on themselves so frequently that it has become commonly known as “musterbating.” While there is a humourous association in the name, there is nothing funny about the consequences. Constantly imposing ‘musts’ on yourself rarely has an outcome other than diminished morale.

Absolute thinking is also typified by what is known as “catastrophising.” Catastrophising is the mental process of seeing “not-to-plan” experiences as catastrophies.  For example, a car accident by someone unlikely to need executive psychotherapy to help with absolute thinking would be viewed as a “minor inconvenience,” or an “interesting experience.” A person who saw the same accident as a catastrophy would see the accident as being much worse than it was, would be traumatised by those thoughts, or suffer impaired morale and performance for a period.

“Masterating” (my term) has similar consequences, and can lead a person to need executive psychotherapy. What is it? Again despite the name having humorous associations the consequences are series. Masterating is the process of harsh self-rating. You can imagine that ongoing, harsh self-rating is devastating for morale and performance.

Intolerance needs no new name, and its consequences are long-standing, too. People who are intolerant of others generally are so because they think in absolutes. The near constant negative thoughts have a hugely damaging effect, mostly on the person who is intolerant.

The steps to overcome absolute thinking in executive psychotherapy vary from person to person, but all start with raising awareness of the thinking patterns.

If you feel that you have a problem that is based in absolute thinking, you may be able to avoid the need for executive psychotherapy by becoming aware of when and how often you engage in that thinking.

If you wish to explore making an appointment with Prof Nigel MacLennan you can call

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