bhaskar saikia

There’s a theory from criminology that has surprising relevance in our everyday lives—especially the way we think.

It’s called the Broken Windows Theory.

Proposed by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling, the theory states that if one broken window in a building is left unrepaired, it sends a message: no one cares. And that message encourages more broken windows by hooligans—until the whole building is in ruins.

But what if that building is your mind?

Negativity is Contagious

Imagine this: you fail once, and you don’t address it. You don’t reflect, don’t rebuild your confidence, don’t challenge the negative thoughts. That one crack becomes an invitation for more self-doubt. Soon, you’re not just doubting your performance—you’re doubting yourself.

The mind says, “It’s okay to fail.”
Then it says, “Maybe I’m not good at this.”
And eventually, “Maybe I’m not good at anything.”

The window shatters. The house becomes unlivable.

Don’t Let One Thought Define the Whole Mind

This is why mental maintenance is as important as physical strength. You wouldn’t live in a house full of broken windows. So don’t allow your inner space to crumble unchecked.

If a single negative thought goes unchallenged, it becomes a pattern. Soon, your dreams start to look fragile. Your goals feel unreachable. And your world shrinks.

Next time you face failure, disappointment, or self-doubt, address it. Tend to the thought. Challenge it. Repair it.

Because if left unattended, that one thought may not stay small.

When was the last time you repaired a “broken window” in your thoughts? Or did you let it spread? Let me know what this theory means to you.