We all have something in common—we make mistakes. But what makes the difference between us is how we deal with them.

Julian Jaynes wrote that thinking too much can inhibit learning.  He used the example of one learning to type who consistently types “hte” for “the”. I want to correct the mistake so much so that I keep making it. Like going on a diet and then all you think about is food.

The best thing to do, say Jaynes, is to reverse the process by purposely typing the mistake.  Practicing the mistake makes you aware of it. And this method is sometimes called negative practice.

Behaviour is not always intentional.

Related: Practice to Inhibit a Behavior + Julian Jaynes Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind [pdf] + HALLUCINATIONS OF INVISIBILITY, FROM SILENCE TO DELIRIUM by Ted Hiebert [pdf].