Years ago, when I first learned to use a computer, I was working on my research dissertation. I had to provide data based on hypotheses, and the machine (that’s what it was to me at the time!) would have to calculate answers using statistical techniques and equations. At that time, I was taught that the cardinal rule of computers is “Garbage in, Garbage out.” If incorrect data were entered, the computer would not judge the input as correct or incorrect. It would accept the data as correct and give me an answer that was right for the information it was given, but wrong for the actual research data.

I believe that the brain remains the most advanced computer in the universe (at least, so far!).
And the same rule applies. If I enter incorrect data into my brain, it will give me a correct answer for the wrong info. The wrong info for us humans comes in the form of our thoughts. Over and over, I see people feeding their brain computers thoughts that are irrational or harmful in the form of worry, self-doubt, negative self-talk such as, “I’m a loser. I’m a failure. I’m unloveable.” Our brain computes this negative and wrong input, and the output (right for the wrong data) is our feelings.

“What if I can’t pass this test” leads to anxiety. “I always fail at relationships” leads to sadness
or depression. The wrong thought produces a negative feeling which then results in poor behavior
choices. “Why bother if I’m going to fail anyway?” Actions based on emotional output often cause
negative reactions from the people around us. These, in turn, produce more irrational and harmful
thoughts leading to more miserable emotions, unwise actions and discouraging feedback.

Garbage In: Thoughts
Garbage Out: Feelings

If you change your thoughts (I can trust myself to hang in with this relationship and give it a
chance), you will have different feelings (hope), different actions (communicate openly), and the world will respond in kind (I’d really like to get to know you too).