Challenge Your Negative Thinking

 Everyone has had doubts about something at one point or another in his or her life. This is a normal part of being human, wondering if we are making the right choice, or doing the right thing. For some people, however, negative thinking can become a way of life. Every action or thought becomes an internal dialogue, beating yourself up internally about what is happening or going on. There are ways to challenge such thoughts. Slow down and ask yourself:

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What prompted the thought?

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What happened, what was the situation?

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Am I looking at this the right way?

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Is there a more realistic way to view this situation or its outcome?

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Are these thought helping my situation or hurting it?

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What can I do differently?

By challenging the thoughts, one can begin to learn to view situations differently the next time they arise and find ways to overcome them. However, if self help techniques are not working, contact your local therapist for more help.

Adapted from the article “Think This, Not That,’ by Rita A. Schulte in “Counseling Today,” June, 2013, Volume 55, Issue 12

By James Clapper, Graduate Level Intern, Loring Therapy LLC

Loringtherapy.com