Another variation on wrong assumptions is one I briefly discussed in the introduction to this chapter. This is the Medical Student Syndrome, where medical (and sometimes psychiatry) students start to believe they suffer the disease or disorder they are studying. These students then make a second mistake. They do not try to test their thinking, for example by discussing it with a doctor or specialist. There have been many cases where students have convinced themselves they suffer the disease, only to have tests prove them wrong.
I've included this anecdote because you might do something similar as you read about the challenges in this chapter. After reading this chapter, you may feel there are one or two issues relevant to you. That's fine. Reread the information on those issues, try the techniques to resolve them, and keep moving forward.
However, you may find yourself rationalizing why it's so difficult to move on while you suffer from several of these challenges. If so, try talking to someone or at least write down your thoughts. You may be suffering a similar syndrome to those medical students. Talking to someone else or putting pen to paper often highlights mistaken assumptions. Be open to them! If you get defensive, that behavior may show you are defending thoughts that you want to believe are true.
Lastly, be aware you may also talk yourself into believing something to justify inaction. If you have a history of procrastination, review the section on motivation to help you keep moving.