“Increasing Confidence and Self-Esteem” Take Away 3

Your Internal Critical or Harsh Voice
 

Part I :You say "hello" to a person and they don't greet you back.

Part II: (automatic thought)

Part III: feeling sad
 

The automatic / critical thought in between part I and II causes the person to feel sad. The person might be thinking: that person doesn't like me, I'm worthless, or what did I do wrong?
 

Cognitive therapy would help the person learn to a) become aware of the automatic thought; and then b) learn to challenge it with a reasonable or more likely explanation.
 

This is what it might look like for me:
 

Part I: Hello Joe!

Part II: What did I do wrong? Did I offend Joe?

Part III: Worry or anxiety about potentially offending Joe.
 

Once I became aware of my anxiety or worry then I could challenge my thinking with a new thought like: maybe Joe is busy, having a bad day, or simply didn't hear me. When I challenge my thought, my worry goes way down.
 

Just Because You Think Something Does Not Mean It Is True
 

It is natural for us to think our thoughts are true, but we need to practice questioning them, especially when they make us anxious, sad, or insecure. Remember - you are not your thoughts! and just because you are having thoughts does not make them true or accurate!

 

The Complete Growth Path here