Here are 10 more ways of faulty thinking, along with examples to make it easier for you to spot them:
1. Overgeneralization:
Overgeneralization is when you try to categorize every single event as part of a never-ending process. For instance, when you fail to pass a job interview you say, I always fail to impress. Similarly, when you fail to win in chess you say, I can never win in chess. Words like never and always are part of the overgeneralization process. Every time you categorize a person, event or thing with a neve- ending pattern, it becomes a part of the overgeneralization process. If you think your friend is always mean with you it is overgeneralization.
positivity. For instance, if you are able to work 8 hours in a day and your friend works for 9 hours, you will always look at that one hour that your friend works and you dont. Another good example is that when a currency trader wins $1000 in a day but loses $200, he is depressed about the loss but not happy about the winnings.
3. Definite Statements:
Definite statements are also known as should statements. These are statements that raise great expectations. For instance, you believe your friend should bring you ice cream tonight because you have told him to do so. If he doesnt, this thinking will lead to anger, frustration and depression.
5. Categorization or Labeling:
This is an extreme way of black-and-white thinking. Here, the person tends to categorize people under either the good label or the bad label. If your friend didnt give you his car for a day you would think he is not a good friend instead of realizing that he must be busy or something.
6. Emotional Reasoning:
Emotional reasoning is taking feelings as facts and basing your decisions and actions upon them. For example, you feel guilty about having spent so much money on some sports equipment for yourself and then you criticize your partner for having spent a bit more money on some new clothes. Another example would be putting off something important just because you dont feel like it.
7. Exaggeration:
Exaggeration is, for example, when you exaggerate the good qualities of a person to such an extent that you overlook their negative points. If your friend helps you out financially you might consider him as a person you can trust even though you have never tried him out.
9. Mind Reading:
You might think you know another person so well that you can predict his reaction or attitude towards a certain issue. For instance, if your friend is annoying you, you think it is because he never liked you. You then continue to react with the same mindset instead of understanding why he is actually doing so.
People often use vague and imprecise words to describe their feelings. For instance, if your partner lied to you, dont just be angry and say to yourself that you are angry. Be more specific and choose the words that best describe your current feelings. Maybe you are disappointed and feel let down and are also angry with yourself for trusting him and now feel as if you were stupid to do so? Try using specific terms to understand your thoughts and feelings. This will teach you to analyze things as they are instead of broadening them.