In previous posts, the idea of Vampire Thinking has been presented as well as its impact on ADHD. In this follow up post, you’ll learn about the idea of Vampire Thinking Tricksters. This term describes those tricky tendencies that suck the juice out of good opportunities. People with ADHD are especially prone to them. Instead of making the most of a good thing, you immediately sabotage it by coming up with all the reasons why it won’t work. You make up reasons so you can be right, look good, and play it safe. These three tricksters can be hard to balance and tame.
Do Vampire Thinking Tricksters have control over you?
Ask yourself, how often YOU allow Vampire Thinking Tricksters to talk you out of what you really want. If you aren’t sure how often or if you think, it’s always, then you need to get back in control. Banishing Vampire Thinking isn’t easy. It’s hard work. Being aware of it is the first step, which can help you defeat the tricksters.
Vampire Thinking Tricksters
Being Right
You know this one. It’s more important to be right about something than achieve a better understanding and outcome. These are the instances where you don’t listen because you already know the answer, have the solution, and are positive of what the truth is. You hold to these beliefs no matter what and exist in your own “being right” world.
Looking Good
Those with ADHD and others live in fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. You’re afraid you’ll look bad, make a mistake, or embarrass yourself. So to avoid those painful possibilities, you don’t get involved, refrain from expressing our opinions, and don’t ask questions. You do anything and everything to play it safe. Fear informs decisions, and as a result, you miss out on the important growth and opportunities that allow for fulfillment and success.
Justifying and Rationalizing
These are some of the more obvious tricksters. It occurs when you find reasons and justifications for what goes wrong in your life. It happens so often, it becomes an unconscious response. The problem is, that rationalizing and explaining away behavior, means there’s no learning so the mistake is likely to be repeatd. A wise man once made it simple: We can have reasons – or we can have results.
Challenge Yourself to Banish Vampire Thinking
The most critical step is noticing when Vampire Thinking Tricksters are draining your enthusiasm, creativity, and opportunities. Then decide what you’re going to do about it. Work on one at a time. Be patient. Understand which of these tricksters are rooted in your thinking. You may learn that the label ADHD is not the only thing holding you back.
If you’d like to get on track and work on your emotional health, learn more about the Banish Vampire Thinking Program.
