EP201 Minisode: Negative thinking generates error codes in your brain

In today's episode, Colleen breaks down how the language you use—especially when it seems neutral or logical—can silently sabotage your ability to change.

You’ll hear why “I just need to stop drinking” is actually a negative thought (and how it keeps your brain stuck in the problem instead of moving toward the solution). She explains how to recognize these mental error codes, shift into a more empowered mindset, and start generating real momentum—even with something as small as making it to a yoga class.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Your brain can’t solve for what you don’t want—it needs clear, positive direction.
• “Stopping drinking” isn’t a goal; it’s the absence of a goal.
  • It keeps your nervous system in a stress response.
    
    
• Negative thinking often shows up in normal, subtle ways:
  • “I don’t know”
  • “I can’t"
  • “What if I don’t…”
• Every time you focus on the negative outcome, You Reinforce It.
  • Instead, swap in positive, do-focused thoughts like:
    • “What I do know is...”
    • "What I can do right now is..."
    • "When I do ____, I'll feel ____."

 

Action Steps:

 

• Notice the hidden “negatives” in your self-talk—especially around alcohol, habits, and percieved identity.
  
  • When you catch one, pause and ask: "What do I want instead? What’s the positive version of this thought?"
    
    • Practice shifting your language in small, daily moments—like going to yoga, packing lunch, or regulating your nervous system.
      
      
      • Remind yourself: Your brain is a powerful problem-solver—but only when you feed it the right kind of input.

If you are ready to get support from a community of women who are co-creating this change with intention and clarity— Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL. 

 

Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you’re struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen’s NEW Q& A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air! 

 

Find me on

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—Click here to TAKE THE QUIZ: Do you have a drinking problem or a thinking problem?

 

Transcript