Thinking Traps

Spot these thoughts, and take your control back

Emotional Reasoning

Thinking your feelings are facts.

"I feel scared, so something bad must happen."

Black & White Thinking

Thinking it's either all good or all bad.

"I made a mistake, so I'm terrible at this."

Jumping to Conclusions

Guessing what will happen or what someone thinks.

"They looked at their watch. I must be boring."

Disqualifying the Positive

Not believing the good things are real.

"They said I did a good job just to be nice."

Magnification & Minimization

Making small things too big, or big things too small.

"I spilled water, now my day is ruined or I got an award, but it's not important."

Compare & Despair

Looking at others and feeling bad about yourself.

"They're so good. I'll never be like that."

Catastrophizing

Thinking the worst thing will happen.

"If I fail this test, I'll never get a job and become homeless."

Blaming

Saying it's someone else's fault every time.

"I failed because the teacher doesn't like me."

Personalization

Blaming yourself for everything.

"We lost the game because of me."

"Should" Statements

Telling yourself things must be a certain way.

"I should always get an A."

Labeling

Calling yourself mean names.

"I'm so dumb."

Mental Filter

Only seeing the bad part and ignoring the good.

"We won the game, but I missed 2 shots."