Rob AndersonLead Coach/ Principle Owner, Stand Sure Coaching · Spending time in collaborative conversations with clients

The Power of Thought Suppression #shorts

13 Oct 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:33

In this brief YouTube short, the speaker explains the phenomenon of thought‑suppression rebound using the classic "pink elephant" example: when you try not to think about something, it becomes even more salient. He describes how the brain monitors for the forbidden thought, making it harder to ignore. Instead of battling the thought, he advises a mindful approach: notice the thought, label it, and let it pass without acting on it. The speaker emphasizes that we don’t have to obey every thought that arises, and that this strategy can be applied across many areas of life.

Chapters

Try really hard not to think about a pink elephant. Too late. That is thought suppression rebound. You see, the harder you tell your brain, don't think about it, the more your brain checks to see if you're actually thinking about it. Yeah, I know, kind of weird, right? Hey, instead of fighting the thought, notice it, name it, and then let it pass. You don't have to obey every thought your brain produces. This is applicable in so many different areas.