The “Turtle on its Back” Tool

What are the thoughts that make you feel emotionally stuck? Take a moment to write down a list of stress-provoking thoughts. These are your turtle thoughts that affect your productivity and esteem. Thoughts must be both intentional and helpful, or they lead to anxiety. Any negative thought can be flipped over to become productive. I call this method flipping the turtle.

Here is how it works: Visualize each negative thought like a turtle laying on its back, unable to go anywhere. This image is a reminder that we are vulnerable to disaster when we are stuck. Practicing making your negative thoughts productive by flipping them to clear intention shifting from reaction to choice. Every insecurity has a secure counterpart that provides healing to an unproductive thought.

Here are some examples:

Turtle: “No one understands me.”

Flipped: “For people to understand me, I must be clear and calm, knowing what I want and why I want it.”

Turtle: “I can’t figure this out.”

Flipped: “I will take a break and come back to this problem with fresh eyes. I am capable and determined to accomplish my goal.”

Turtle: “If I tell the truth, people will hate me.”

Flipped: “Telling the truth in kindness and love is the best version of me. I choose faith over fear.”

Turtle: “I avoid difficult situations because they give me anxiety.”

Flipped: “I will lean into the discomfort and work through this so I grow.”

Turtle: “I can’t manage my emotions.”

Flipped: “I am learning how to observe and regulate my emotions in difficult situations. With practice comes mastery.”

Practice flipping your turtle thoughts over. You can do this with any negative thought. If you don't, you will remain stuck like a turtle on its back, going absolutely nowhere.