CATASTROPHISING
When stressed, we can assume things are worse than they are or will have a far worse outcome than is realistic and exaggerate the potential negative consequences of that scenario.
This is catastrophising. It is when we blow things out of proportion and focus only on the worst-case scenario.
Watch David tell you all about it and how to beat it.
Helpful tips
Continue to blow things out of proportion until it makes you smile
Next time you find yourself catastrophising over a challenging situation, ask yourself, “what is the worst thing that can happen?” Use your imagination to blow it out of proportion.
The chances are that your first “worst thing that can happen” won’t be ridiculous enough, so you’ll need to try harder. Just keep asking yourself, “and then what?”
Pause and Reflect
Pick something you are ruminating on and work through it using the three questions:
1. What is the WORST thing that can happen?
2. What is the BEST outcome?
3. What is the MOST LIKELY outcome?
TODAY'S ACTION
Recognise catastrophic thinking? Focusing only on the worst case scenario or loosing perspective?
Challenge it by asking yourself the three key questions:
- What is the WORST thing that can happen?
- What is the BEST outcome?
- What is the MOST LIKELY outcome?