The big idea: Most people don’t question their fear-based or self-negating thoughts, but tend to readily accept them. Regardless of whether the destructive thoughts have any basis in reality, people can let them invade their minds and hijack their confidence and well-being.

The so what: Learning how to ask “Says who?” confronts the negative and fear-based thoughts holding people hostage so that the thoughts no longer exert their influence. Coming to realize that the thought isn’t real or valid, and that it’s ultimately useless to them, allows people to successfully align their inner dialogue with their goals and dreams.

The source: Ora Nadrich is founder and president of the Institute for Transformational Thinking, and author of Says Who? How One Simple Question Can Change the Way You Think Forever.