How To Free Your Mind: Cognitive Distortions

OVER GENERALIZING You see a constant, negative pattern based on one event.

The fix: Ask yourself, "how do I know this? What's the real-life experience to prove this? Is this proof truly sufficient?

BLAMING/DENYING You blame others or yourself instead of thinking of what you could do to make "it" right. Example: can't concentrate with that noise, so now i can't finish!"

The fix: Take responsibility for what you are blaming and claim the ability to be bigger than it. "l can be mindful Of all sounds and still work through them."

SELF-COMPARISONS Measure yourself against others with constant superior or inferiority judgements.

The fix: You can wish the best for others, and mirror the same wish for yourself.

MAGICAL THINKING You are always thinking "Everything will be better when..."

The fix: Be gracious. Appreciate the present. Work with what you have, now.

MIND READING You make assumptions of what others are thinking.

The fix: Communicate directly with others and let them tell you how they feel. Don't worry unless they tell you there is a problem.