Welcome to the Stop Haunting Yourself Quest!

This three-day Halloween quest is all about transforming “trick” thoughts—those negative, self-critical thoughts that hold us back—into “treats,” or empowering beliefs that uplift and support us. I’m Sarah from Proud Happy Brave, and I’m thrilled you’re here with me. We’re going to have some fun as we banish those trick thoughts and start creating a more positive mindset.

I know firsthand what it’s like to be plagued by trick thoughts. For years, I told myself things like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do it.” These negative thoughts had a powerful impact on my life, but I’ve since learned how to change them, and it’s made all the difference. My hope is that this quest will guide you on a similar path to managing your thoughts and creating real change.

What are Trick Thoughts and Why Do They Matter?

Trick thoughts are unhelpful thoughts—negative beliefs that limit us, create doubt, and hold us back from living fully. These might sound like “I’ll mess up,” “I’m not as good as others,” or “Nothing ever works out for me.” But by identifying and understanding these thoughts, we can start shifting them into “treat” thoughts, which are positive, constructive beliefs that help us take action and feel confident.

Why is this Important?

Trick thoughts have a profound effect on our well-being and mental health. Left unchecked, they can lead to:

• Poor mental health – Trick thoughts can contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress.

• Low self-esteem and confidence – You may feel incapable or inferior, causing you to hold back.

• People-pleasing and lack of boundaries – You may put others’ needs above your own, believing you’re less important.

• Inaction and unhappiness – When you don’t feel worthy, you’re less likely to pursue things that bring joy.

Negative thinking impacts how we feel, act, and relate to ourselves and others. The good news is that by recognising and addressing these thoughts, you can shift into an “upward spiral” of better mental health, happiness, confidence, and connection.

The Power of Awareness

Awareness of your trick thoughts is the first step in changing them. When you’re aware of your thoughts, you can make conscious choices rather than letting automatic, negative thoughts control you. To build this awareness, try placing yourself in situations that might trigger trick thoughts—like imagining a room full of strangers or preparing for public speaking. Noticing which thoughts arise in these scenarios can reveal your typical patterns of self-talk.

Example of a Trick Thought in Action

Trick Thought: “I should be able to handle this on my own.” Feelings: Shame, inadequacy, isolation, fear of judgment. Outcome: You avoid asking for help, struggle alone, and experience more stress. Over time, this can lead to burnout or mental health challenges due to the lack of support and connection.

Common Trick Thoughts to Watch Out For

Here are some common trick thoughts that may sound familiar:

• “I always mess things up.”

• “Nothing ever works out for me.”

• “I can’t because of my past/age/personality.”

• “I’ll never be as good as others.”

• “I don’t deserve to be happy.”

• “It’s too late for me to change.”

These thoughts are limiting and create low-energy feelings like anxiety, sadness, and shame. By identifying and addressing these thoughts, we can start to manage these emotions and create a healthier mindset.

Your Day 1 Quest Task

>> Identify at least one unhelpful, limiting thought << This is your “trick” thought—something that tends to hold you back or bring you down. As you do this, remember to avoid judging yourself. Our brains naturally lean toward caution and negative thinking as a way of protecting us. We inherited this from our caveman days when focusing on potential dangers kept us safe. While it’s less helpful in today’s world, we can still learn to work with our minds to shift towards a positive, fulfilling life.

Common Questions About Negative Thinking

Q: What if my thoughts are too quick to identify?Answer: If your mind feels like it’s moving too fast, try journaling to slow down your thoughts. Use some journal prompts (included in your worksheet) to bring awareness to what’s going on in your mind. Taking deep breaths can also help you calm your thoughts and identify any underlying trick thoughts.

Q: How do I know if a thought is negative or realistic?Answer: Ask yourself if the thought is helpful. Even if a thought seems realistic, if it doesn’t support what you want to achieve, it’s worth reframing.

Q: Is it normal to have so many negative thoughts?Answer: Yes, it’s completely normal. Humans have about 60,000-70,000 thoughts each day, and our brains have a natural bias toward negative thinking. But we don’t have to take these thoughts as facts. By identifying unhelpful thoughts, we can create space to choose a different reaction.

Q: How long will it take to change my thoughts?Answer: Changing thought patterns takes time and practice. Each time you catch a negative thought and pause to consider it, you’re creating a positive neural pathway that reinforces helpful thinking. Over time, this practice becomes easier and more natural.

Recap

Today, you’ve learnt:

• Why building awareness around your thoughts is crucial.

• How negative thoughts impact your mindset and actions.

• How to recognise your own trick thoughts.

Next Steps:

Complete today’s task by identifying at least one trick thought that frequently holds you back. You’re welcome to reach out with any questions or thoughts—feel free to email me or connect with me on Instagram over the next three days to share your progress.

Stay Tuned for Day 2

Tomorrow, we’ll dive into turning your trick thoughts into treats by reframing negative self-talk into empowering beliefs. This is where the real magic happens, and I can’t wait to see you there!