We’re back with our series on cognitive distortions and how we can use mindfulness and positive psychology to combat these thoughts that can deter us from succeeding.
Cognitive Distortions are irrational thoughts and biased perceptions we internalise and subconsciously reinforce over time. These thought patterns are often subtle and are difficult to recognise as they are so ingrained within ourselves. All cognitive distortions are:
Tendencies or patterns of thinking and believing;
False and inaccurate; and
Have the potential to cause psychological damage.
The wonderful thing about mindfulness and being aware of our thoughts and behaviours is that once we have identified them, we have the ability to change them if they’re no longer serving us. So let’s discuss the second one!
OVERGENERALISATION
This cognitive distortion is sneaky in its approach, whereby it takes instances and examples and views them as overall patterns. For example, it’s like trying out a new move and not succeeding the first couple of times and believing that you will never achieve it. Or not getting through to the last round of a couple of auditions and believing that you’re just not what anyone is looking for in the industry.
Overgeneralisation can lead to overly negative thoughts about yourself and your environment based on one or two experiences, which increasingly deters us from our goals and successes.
A pattern is described as “something that repeats in a predictable way.” However, the nature of the industry itself is unpredictable and subjective. What might be one person’s preference isn’t another’s, and more often than not, you’ll come across those who’s values and goals within the industry do not align with your own.
The only pattern that can be created in these instances is your mindset and approach. If you walk in with a closed, negative mindset, then you’ll probably walk away with the same outcome. However a more positive and open mindset will change the outcome, whether it be success or overall enjoyment.
Before judging a pattern externally, view your internal patterns first. And if they haven’t been serving you, change them up! Remember that we can only control our actions and our reactions, and that any patterns that we see in our day to day are usually controlled by how we approach every instance.
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