Embracing a New Psychology to Inspire Transformation and Change

“What got you here won’t get you there.” This quote from Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, an executive leadership coach, has been echoing in my mind lately. It challenges us to rethink the familiar ways of thinking that have shaped our lives so far. On April 1st, the Day of Fools, this idea feels especially fitting. It invites us to explore the “foolish” or “untrustworthy” thoughts we often dismiss but that might hold the key to real transformation.

The Comfort of Familiar Thoughts

Looking back, many of the thoughts that guided me in my past felt safe and habitual. Even though they were often negative, they offered a sense of familiarity. These thoughts helped me to justify my own beliefs about who I thought I was due to a chronic health condition that I had been battling for many years, creating a familiar loop that felt uncomfortable but somehow painfully real . For example, thinking “I’ll never be free of this” or “I might be stuck forever” might seem limiting, but these thoughts also provided a predictable framework for understanding my challenges.

This comfort, however, came at a cost. It kept me confined within a narrow view of myself and the world. It was like living in a small room with familiar furniture, even if the walls felt tight, at least they were my walls. Over many years, my health condition had become the definition of my reality.

The Power of “Untrustworthy” Thoughts

Then there were the thoughts that felt risky or foolish. These were ideas about freedom, growth and a normal healthy body, which felt like stepping into unknown territory. They suggested a version of myself I had never fully met or known. Thoughts like “What if I do get past this illness?” or “Maybe I am capable of greater things” felt uncomfortable but also exciting.

These thoughts challenged the status quo and invited me to expand beyond my usual limits. They were the seeds of transformation, even if they seemed reckless or irresponsible at first. Trusting these thoughts meant facing doubt, fear, and the chorus of naysaying words inside my head. On three sheets of paper I wrote out several precious sentences describing a version of myself who had reclaimed my health and released all unwanted illness from my body. On many brave days I read them out loud with all my heart, and on the lessor days I hid them away, too afraid of creating hope, which many never become.

Choosing to Trust New Thoughts

Transformation begins when we choose to trust these “untrustworthy” thoughts more often. This choice requires will and awareness. It means reaching for loftier, more exciting ideas that open doors instead of closing them. For instance, instead of thinking “This will never end,” we might try “I can learn, grow and heal.”

This process is not about ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about expanding our perspective and allowing new possibilities to emerge. Sometimes, fresh thoughts come naturally from within. Other times, we must consciously seek them out and practice holding them in our minds. New thoughts may seem radical as they can be the exact opposite of our life experiences. We can choose to think them anyway.

How to Embrace Transformative Thoughts

Here are some practical steps to help you embrace these transformative thoughts:

• Notice your habitual thoughts. Pay attention to the stories you tell yourself regularly. Which ones feel safe? Which ones feel limiting?

• Identify “foolish” thoughts. What ideas have you dismissed because they felt too big or unrealistic? Write them down.

• Practice curiosity. Instead of rejecting these thoughts, explore them. Ask yourself what might happen if they were true.

• Create space for new ideas. Try journaling, meditation, or talking with someone who encourages growth.

• Take small actions. Test these thoughts with small steps. For example, if you think you could try a new skill, take a beginner’s class or read about it.

• Be courageous. Choose to think differently using the strength of your WILL, not because they feel true and not because it's easy, but because it's your ticket to freedom.

  
  

Changing Your Self-Perception

As you practice trusting new thoughts, your perception of yourself begins to shift. You start to see possibilities where before there were limits. This shift can make the impossible feel possible. You realize you have more creativity and influence in your life than your old thoughts suggested. You realise "I am" a creator. And yes, you really are.

For example, someone who always thought they were “not creative” might start experimenting with art or writing. Over time, this person could discover talents and passions that transform their sense of identity, and recognise how they can shape the outcome of their days by activating their passions and talents.

The Role of Discomfort in Growth

Embracing these new thoughts can feel uncomfortable. It can seem foolish or reckless because they challenge deeply held beliefs and experiences. This discomfort is a sign of growth, courage and momentum, not failure. Like stretching a muscle, it may feel awkward or even "ridiculous" at first but it ultimately leads to strength.

Remember, the Day of Fools reminds us that sometimes, what seems foolish is exactly what we need to move forward. The “foolish” thoughts are invitations to explore new paths and expand what we believe is possible.