Are you tired of feeling like your life or relationships are a "shit show"? Most of us are living by a set of unconscious rules that govern our perceptions, communications, and interactions, often without us even realizing it. In this episode of The Framework, David Waselkow and Tyler dive deep into the "poisonous tree" of prohibitive thinking—the fear-based mindset of "I don't want to be..." or "I'm afraid of..." that keeps you trapped in a loop of anxiety and unfulfilled needs. Why You Feel Stuck Every relationship you are in, including the one with yourself, exists in a system governed by rules. When you experience affective distress—feelings of sadness, anger, or fear—it is a signal that your internal rules are being violated. Unfortunately, many of these rules are built on prohibitive thoughts, such as "I don't want to be needy," "I'm afraid of being a disappointment," or "I refuse to be taken advantage of". These are "goals without end" because you can never truly measure success in not becoming something, leading to a life of constant self-sabotage and "magical thinking". The Power of Affirmative Thinking To transform your life, you must move from prohibitive thinking to affirmative thinking. This isn't just "positive thinking"; it is reality-based, solution-focused thinking that allows you to identify your values and advocate for your needs. Whether you are struggling with intimacy, parenting, or business leadership, the path to success requires rewriting your rules to be measurable and doable. In this episode, we explore: • The "Hairy Nipple" Lesson: Why being afraid to express what you want leads to "farts in the wind" and missed connections • The "Ass-Slapping" Affection Trap: How lack of precision in your rules leads to "wonky" dynamics and resentment • Rewiring Your Brain: How to use intentionality and neuroplasticity to break old habits and develop new, healthy patterns • The Truth About Therapy: Why the relationship and "fit" between you and your therapist is the #1 predictor of success Ready to Unfuck Your Thinking? David Waselkow offers a clinical and consultative approach designed to empower you with the truth and help you stop the pain on the brain. If you are ready to stop "firing blind" and start leading with your head, it’s time to schedule an appointment Take the first step toward a functional, adaptive life. Visit www.davidwaselkow.com to read more about The Framework, access supplemental articles, and book your consultation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Posture of Progress To understand the importance of intentionality in changing your life, consider the deadlift. If your posture is "wonky" before you even pull the bar, every movement that follows will be out of position, limiting your strength and risking injury. In the same way, approaching a conflict or a goal with prohibitive, fear-based thinking is like lifting with a rounded back. By setting a proper affirmative posture from the start, you gain the "superpower" to handle the heavy lifting of life with strength and composure.
