The Lies That Defeat Us

Lies have energy as a result of they really feel true. Damaging self-talk feels correct even when it’s ridiculous.

A nagging inside critic matches the class of “automatic negative thoughts” (ANTs). An ANTs infestation guidelines us till we pay attention with self-awareness.

Step one to defeating ANTs is noticing.

AI generated picture 10/11/24 at 5:00 a.m.

Noticing ANTs – 4 Lies That Defeat Us:

#1. “Should” statements:

My coach says, “Don’t ‘should’ on yourself so much.”

  • I ought to have the ability to deal with this with out assist.
  • I ought to know what to do with my life by now.
  • I ought to be happier.

Tip: Spend much less time “shoulding” on your self and extra time doing what you possibly can.

#2. Catastrophizing:

  • Corrective suggestions doesn’t imply you’re getting fired.
  • A headache in all probability isn’t a mind tumor.
  • Saying one thing silly doesn’t imply everybody thinks you’re a whole fool.

Tip: If the worst occurs, what’s going to you do? Make a easy plan. Concentrate on issues inside your management.

#3. All-or-nothing pondering:

  • I’ll by no means…
  • I all the time…
  • Everyone…
  • No one…
  • Every part…

Tip: Reject all-inclusive statements.

#4. Emotional reasoning:

  • I really feel silly. Everyone seems to be smarter than me.
  • I’m anxious about flying. We’re going to crash.
  • I really feel like they don’t like me. I higher discover a new job.

Tip: The Reality about Emotion: Cease Fixing Issues that Don’t Exist

Flip ANTs into PETs:

Flip computerized damaging ideas into “positive empowering thoughts” (PETs).

#1. Watch much less cable information.

#2. Report self-defeating lies.

Hold a pocket book of each lie you inform your self for a day. On the finish of the day, throw away the paper. Don’t do anything.

#3. Have a dialog together with your inside critic.

Discuss with your self by identify. “Mary thinks she’s getting fired.”

#4. Don’t inform your self optimistic lies.

Don’t inform your self you’re nice if you suck. Make a plan to enhance. Do one thing about it.

What thought on this put up resonates with you at present?

What insights are you able to add?

John David Mann and I wrote The Vagrant as a result of all of us fall into the lure of self-defeating behaviors.

Buy The Vagrant: