Stop Negative Thinking in Its Tracks: How Gibbs from NCIS uses Mindset Rule 6
- Bruce Schutter
- Apr 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 10 minutes ago
It was one of those regular days—the kind where you’re just running an errand, expecting nothing out of the ordinary. I was strolling downtown to grab a coffee when I saw him—Leroy Jethro Gibbs from NCIS.
He stood at the corner, deep in thought, like something heavy was weighing on him. I nearly did a double-take, but caught myself. In my line of work, you meet all sorts of people.
Gibbs caught my eye. Before I could say a word, he walked over, his familiar stern expression locking onto me. “Bruce,” he said in that gruff tone. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
Now, when someone like Gibbs says that, you stop. “Sure thing, Gibbs. What’s on your mind?” I asked, half-wondering if this was about covert ops—or if he just needed a break from chasing bad guys.
His voice softened. “I’ve been working some tough cases lately. They’re getting in my head. Negative thoughts. Doubts… It’s not like me—but it’s dragging me down.”
He paused and looked at me. “I know you wrote that book—53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior. It’s packed with strategies for keeping your head straight. Lately… I could use a little help stopping the spiral.”
My Story
Hearing Gibbs talk about negative thoughts reminded me of my own battles. I knew exactly where he was coming from.
“You’re in the right place, Gibbs,” I said, smiling. “For 20 years, I struggled with bipolar, alcoholism, anxiety disorders, PTSD—and the everyday chaos of life. It left me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But in the darkness, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
With that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a bold new SELF-HELP approach—that puts YOU in charge!
And one key piece to building our warrior strength? Building a new way of thinking.
Mindset Rules
That’s why I wrote 53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior—a mental health playbook forged from experience. These rules are warrior tools designed to help you navigate any challenge life throws your way—and stay in control of the day.
And one that changed everything for me is Mindset Rule 6: ‘Forgive Yourself for Not Knowing the Things You Know Now.’”
Gibbs nodded, his piercing blue eyes locked on mine. “I like the sound of that. Tell me more.”
I smiled. “It’s simple—but powerful. Too often, we beat ourselves up for not handling things better—forgetting that we didn’t have the knowledge, experience, or tools we have today.”
Gibbs’s expression softened. “That’s a tough one—but it makes sense. How do you actually put it into practice?”
I nodded. “Let me give you three examples of how I use this rule to stop negative thinking in its tracks.”
1: Don’t Let the Past Hijack Today’s Wins
"The first thing this rule does for me," I said, "is remind me not to let past missteps overshadow my success today. It’s easy to let last week’s screw-ups hijack how we feel about what we accomplish right now.
But Mindset Rule 6 helps me see my wins for what they are—without letting yesterday’s mistakes steal today’s thunder."
This works because your brain naturally clings to negative past experiences as a survival instinct—but when you train it to focus on present progress, you reclaim confidence, momentum, and joy.
Gibbs’s Takeaway:
He rubbed his chin, thinking it over. "I get that. Just last week, we lost a lead on a case, and it’s been bugging me. Yesterday, we cracked it wide open—but all I could think about was that missed opportunity. I was beating myself up over something that didn’t even matter anymore."
I nodded. "Exactly. Focusing on yesterday’s misstep was robbing you of today’s win. And that’s the trap—we forget we’re not the same person we were then. Every win matters. Celebrate it."
Gibbs cracked a rare smile. "Alright. I’ll give today’s win the credit it deserves."
2. Turn Missteps into Fuel for Today’s Wins
"Second," I continued, "this rule reminds me that today’s wins often come from yesterday’s missteps.
When I look at the things I’m doing right now as a Mental Health Warrior, I know they’re built on lessons I learned the hard way. That’s the power of growth—I’m in charge now, not my challenges."
This works because reframing failure as training—rather than proof of inadequacy—builds resilience, not regret. It keeps your focus on progress, not punishment.
Gibbs’s Takeaway:
Gibbs crossed his arms and gave me a thoughtful nod. "I see. So instead of replaying what went wrong, I could focus on how it made me better. There’s always a takeaway—even in failure.
Like that time we walked into an ambush. I tore myself up for missing the signs. But afterward, we changed how we run recon—and that adjustment has saved our team more than once."
"Exactly," I said. "That’s how warriors grow. We don’t ignore mistakes—we use them. Each one makes us sharper for the battles ahead."
Gibbs cracked a half-smile. "Learning is part of the job, huh?" "Every single day," I replied. "And that’s what makes us stronger."
Example 3: Focus on Taking Action Today
"And lastly," I said, "this rule keeps me grounded in the present. Depression usually sneaks in when I stop focusing on what I can do right now and start dwelling on everything I wish I’d done differently.
That’s when I pull out this mindset rule—it’s my Mental Reset Button. It reminds me to ask, ‘What can I do today that moves me forward?’ It helps me break free from the past and serves as my wake-up call to take action today.
This works because action breaks inertia. When you move—even a little—you remind your brain that you're not stuck. You're in charge.
Gibbs’s Takeaway:
For the first time in our conversation, Gibbs cracked a real grin." That’s good. I’ve noticed it myself—when I let the past get in my head, I start slipping. I lose focus. But if I zero in on what’s in front of me, what I can actually control today, I stay sharp. I stay... me."
"You nailed it," I said. "That’s the power of taking action with this mindset rule—it snaps us out of the spiral and brings us back to life. Depression doesn’t stand a chance when we’re actively living our mission. Even one small step forward puts us back in control."
He nodded slowly. "Alright... today, I choose action."
Wrap Up
Gibbs looked at me with that no-nonsense expression of his—the kind that says he’s really listening. “You’ve given me something solid to work with,” he said. “I’ll have to get myself a copy of your book, 53 Mindset Rules of a Mental Health Warrior.”
“I’ve been letting my mind spin, but if I can remember this rule—especially when the doubts creep in—it’ll keep me from going down that rabbit hole. I can forgive myself for what I didn’t know... and focus on what I can do now. That’s real power.”
As he turned to leave, Gibbs added with a wry smile, “Oh, and Bruce—next time you catch me spiraling into negative thinking? Just smack me upside the head.”
I laughed, wondering if I’d ever actually have the nerve to follow through on that.
Instead, I promised, “I’ll remind you of the power of Mindset Rule 6: Forgive Yourself for Not Knowing the Things You Know Now. That’s how we stop the spiral, move forward—and celebrate today’s victories!”
Bruce Schutter
💡 Never Miss Out—get insights, tools, and motivation each week!
Comments