Ability Quote by Steven C. Hayes
“Processes of avoiding the world within in order to try to regulate your behavior, or becoming entangled in your thoughts interfering with your ability to take advantage of what's around you, or losing contact with your values for fear that you'll know more about the places where you hurt - those kinds of processes are just normal psychological processes. And if you take the mode of mind that works great in 95 percent of your life and apply it within, it then implodes. It starts creating barriers, and that's true at work, it's true in our culture, true in our politics.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, 1999
Attempting to control thoughts and emotions often creates internal barriers, reducing effectiveness in work, culture, and politics.
In simple terms: Over‑control backfires.
Key Takeaway
Embrace acceptance, not suppression.
Themes
psychology
mental health
behavioral change
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
therapeutic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- workplace stress
- political discourse
- personal growth
Key Concepts
cognitive avoidance
mindfulness
psychological flexibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What thoughts do you try to control?
- How does acceptance change outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Changing ingrained mental habits is difficult and may meet resistance.
