An important step in changing your attitudes is understanding them. To practice the skill of monitoring your current thought patterns, add four or five different endings to each of the following incomplete sentences. Work as rapidly as possible and don’t worry about whether the ending is reasonable or significant; the object is to build awareness of your attitudes toward your life.

I am very thankful for…

I am glad I’m not…

When I wake up in the morning, my first thoughts are…

My most common reaction to an annoying situation is…

Personal happiness to me means…

I often compare myself to…

After you have created different endings to these sentences, share at least six of your sentences with your classmates. Discuss that which this exercise has helped you become aware.