QUESTION 1: (This questions asks you to review the 10 Cognitive Distortions page 166, and identify the ones you find yourself doing.) Then the next question reads "What can you do in the future to prevent these in the future?"
Answer: First, please have in your mind the ways you typically distort. Regardless of which of the ten distortions you do, one common thread is that people tend to discount anything positive and squirrel-cage (mind-race) negative expectations. For instance, if a person were to "over-generalize" good things, they would tend to be positive, and energetic. But we don't do that do we? We tend to be negative and pessimistic! Remind yourself of these observations:
1. Hopefulness increases the possibility of success. Cheerfulness is a force multiplier.
2. Don't be a part of the problem; be a part of the solution. Don't own the problem, unless it is yours, otherwise disconnect from outcomes.
3. Allow people to learn from their mistakes. Don't make "their" suffering "yours".
4. There is a bigger picture. Stand back and look long-term. If you get too close to the situation you lose perspective. (Your eyes can't focus if your nose is too close to the picture.)
5. Believe in a greater good.
6. Stay in the "present" moment. If you are not involved, and it is not in front of you as we speak, then STOP thinking about it! Keep focused on your world, your family, and your responsibilities. Stay centered in your world. Maintain serenity and peacefulness. Let every thing else go.
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