Go Tokyo Your Experience
The root of internal friction: the vicious cycle of endless thinking and contemplation
We often observe people around us who, when faced with things that have already happened or cannot be changed, repeatedly ponder and constantly think, trying to find a sense of control through ‘endless contemplation’. This phenomenon is very common, especially evident in those who are prone to internal friction. Influencers always indulge in regrets about the past, worries about the future, and even refuse to face the reality problems that are already in front of them.
Exhausting thoughts and concerns: the inertia of escaping reality
The so-called ‘exhausted thinking’ actually refers to repeatedly pondering over things that have already become fixed, still holding the hope of change in one’s heart, and fantasizing about finding different outcomes through thinking. Although this behavior may seem like solving a problem, it is actually a form of evasion. In such a state, people often cannot acknowledge the facts that have already happened and are unwilling to accept those uncomfortable feelings of reality.
This behavior is common in many scenarios of daily life. For example, when you say something wrong in a social setting, most people will choose to let go after a brief embarrassment, but those who are prone to internal conflicts will repeatedly recall the scene, ponder their tone of speech, the other person’s expression, and even hope to go back to the past and start over. Their thinking will constantly dwell on the details that cannot be changed, and the essence of these thoughts is only to avoid facing the current reality.
The consequence of internal friction: being trapped in a vortex of thinking
Internal consumers who stay in this “bargaining” mindset for a long time, constantly avoiding reality, may eventually fall into a vicious cycle. Their mental state will become worse and worse, and may even develop into obsessive-compulsive disorder, constantly scrutinizing every little thing they have done every day, unable to find inner peace. This kind of habitual thinking not only fails to solve problems, but also gradually weakens people’s physical and mental health.
Cracking the Exhaustion of Thoughts: Two Minute Distraction Method
For those who suffer from long-term internal conflicts, breaking the vicious cycle of endless thinking requires time and patience. An effective way is the ‘two minute distraction method’. This method emphasizes the use of brief distractions to break through persistent negative thinking. Its core is that when you find yourself trapped in endless thinking, immediately do something unrelated to it to help yourself get rid of the current emotional vortex.
You can choose to cook in the kitchen, make a cup of tea, even take a walk outside, or do a soothing yoga routine. This brief physical activity can help you shift your focus and make you realize that you are fully capable of breaking free from the current thinking trap. A small change in behavior can often bring about a mindset adjustment.
Long term effect: gradually changing thinking habits
Although the “two minute distraction method” cannot immediately solve all problems, it can help you interrupt this toxic thinking habit in a timely manner at the beginning of every exhausted thought process. Through continuous practice, gradually get used to taking action when negative emotions arise, rather than getting stuck in a quagmire of thinking. Over time, the process of changing one’s way of thinking will gradually manifest.
The essence of internal friction is the avoidance of reality, and exhaustive thinking is the tool for this avoidance. By recognizing this issue and using simple distraction techniques, people can gradually get rid of the troubles of internal friction and regain control over their emotions and lives. The key is to make small changes every time you face a mental vortex, and these small changes will become the beginning of moving towards a healthier mindset.