Friday, January 11, 2008

Life Tip #16


Unhelpful Thinking

Unhelpful thinking can be extremely undermining in all aspects of one's life. Try examining irrational notions by asking the following questions:


•Is it logical- where is the evidence for my belief?

•Where is the belief inscribed (other than in one's head?).

•Will it seem so bad in 1, 3, 6, or 12 months? In 2 years' time?

•Do I expect myself and/or others to be perfect instead of human?

•Do I think in "all or nothing" terms and eliminate the middle ground?

•If I "can't bear it" or "can't stand it", what will actually happen?

•Am I thinking in "all or nothing" terms, ignoring the middle ground?

•Am I fortune telling with little or no evidence that the worst case scenario will actually happen?

•Just because a problem has occurred, does it mean that I/they/it are "stupid", "a failure", "useless", or "hopeless".

•Am I placing rules on myself or others (e.g. shoulds, musts, have to's, etc.)? If so, are they proving helpful and constructive?


And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!