We, humans, have a lot of behavioural patterns. Things we repeatedly do, repeated behaviour, are called patterns. So, often, one of the best ways to predict the future of someone is to look at their past. Sometimes people have rituals associated with specific themes. They are controlling, perfectionism, anxiety, nervousness, or paranoia. To stop falling into these themes, you must change your thoughts and behaviours and do something DIFFERENT to shake things up.

The first step is observation. What do you feel, and what do you want to do? You will likely follow the same patterns in the same kind of situation. Try to be aware of this, reflect on the case, and ask what I can do differently. What do I NOT feel for doing right now? Do THAT (of course, remember to reflect on “real” consequences)! Our emotions too often control us when we look logically at our behaviours and responses in different situations. You can often see that your actions are based on emotions: https://abundance7.com/fight-flight-and-other-responses/.

Why do you do it, then? The simple answer is that that tions drive us; many of us have never analyzed or questioned them. It is hard to change what has not been observed. You can also practice OBSERVING patterns in others; do they tend to react in the same predictable way in the same situations? This is an excellent way to identify one’s thoughts and behaviour patterns because of recognition. Another label for patterns is habits; learn more about habits here.

Being unpatterned is about being unpredictable. It is about freedom and the ability to choose how you want to react. Instead of constantly reacting with fear, anxiety, or jealousy, you have other options and alternatives. This is key; look for other options and nuances. You train yourself to change your perception when looking for different nuances and opportunities. In CBT, they do this as well: https://abundance7.com/cbt-cognitive-behavioral-therapy/.

For example, what do you think if a girl does not immediately SMS you? What are some options, nuances, and alternatives to your thoughts here?

Count the nuances on your fingers (finding at least 5):

1. Her phone/battery is dead.
2. She is playing hard to get because she likes you.
3. She is busy at work, driving a car, etc.
4. Problems with the phone company/lousy connection etc.
5. She is sleeping or has her phone in silent mode.

When you find some nuances, the original thought, “She doesn’t like me,” suddenly has competition with other alternatives. The TRUTH is that you don’t know, so why pick only one negative idea and thus feel terrible?

You can also use patterns to predict the behaviour of people. Just look at their past; how did they respond last time? They will probably answer the same way the next time in a similar situation. For example, what type of guy did the girl hook up with last time? Are you that “type”? What is her attraction pattern? Do you get positive responses by being funny, sweet, talkative, teasing, complimenting her, or unavailable? Whatever works – keep doing THAT!

Examples of breaking your patterns

Instead of always shopping at the same store, go to a different one. If you are at school, sit in another chair. If you watch action movies, try watching a romantic comedy or documentary. Do you always listen to techno? Try listening to metal or country. Do you constantly analyze before downloading a product? Try downloading it at RANDOM, and go through it. The same goes for lending a book in the library; throw some dice at where you will pick up your specific paper. Change your haircut or clothing style. Or do as The Dice Man, and let the dice control your entire life.

Drive different routes. Talk to different types of people. Do something you have never done before, like hitchhiking or travelling to another city. If you always smile and say “Hi” when you meet new people, try something different, present yourself by another name, and spend talk a foreign language just for fun. Ask your friend to send an SMS for you to a girl you like. And one of my favourites, say NO to sex when with a hot woman.

Conclusion: Find nuances/alternatives to your thoughts, behaviours, and usual activities. You don’t have to go all “fight club,” changing your religion or sexual orientation! But play a little with it; experiment with it. Share this with a friend up for the challenge, and comment on what idea you liked the most!