We all make common thinking errors but more so when we are fueled by anxiety, are suffering from depression or we are angry, these patterns of thinking can make our mood drop lower and we begin to feel even more crap about ourselves. It is important to recognize negative thinking errors when we feel low as it may be these thinking errors that are making us feel the way we do. (For further information read challenging negative thoughts)
Comparing Yourself To Others
We all compare ourselves to others at times; I know I do as a mother and as a blogger. But by comparing, we are not being fair to ourselves; we never see the negatives in someone we wish to be more like; we only see the things that we are not. I often feel inadequate when I compare myself against someone I respect; this is not positive thinking. We are often setting ourselves up for failure.
Assume We Know What Others Are Thinking
I have very low self-esteem and my confidence at times is at rock bottom, I allow myself to believe that others feel negative towards me, talk about me or dismiss me in some way. This is not true, how can I possibly know what others think about me, unless they were to tell me? If someone was to look at me I would believe they were thinking “Her hair is a mess” or “She isn’t a very nice person”. When in truth they may well be admiring the new hair color or the new coat I am wearing.
There is no way of knowing what others are thinking, just because we assume that’s what they are thinking about us, is it really the truth?
The World Is Not Black And White
Sometimes there just isn’t a right way to do something, say something or how to react. There is not always an answer to the questions we have, rather than accept there is something we cannot do or change, we need to learn that there is a gray area in between everything.