Over generalization


Negative Thought: Seeing a single negative event as part of an unending pattern of defeat.

Example:

  • Problem: You were rejected from a project proposal.

  • Negative Thinking: "I always fail at getting projects accepted. I’ll never succeed at anything."

  • Mind Hack: Zoom Out—Look at the bigger picture: "This is one rejection. I’ve had many successful projects in the past, and this doesn’t mean I’ll never succeed again."

Mind Hacks:


  • List Counter-Examples:

    Write down examples where the same situation had a positive outcome.

  • Challenge Absolutes:

    When you find yourself saying "always" or "never," ask, "Is that really true?"