Smash those irrational beliefs (2)

by Beth McHugh | More from this Blogger

02 Nov 2006 08:48 PM

Today we continue on from Smashing those irrational beliefs (1) and look at more limiting ways in which the things we think about ourselves and the world around us work to our disadvantage.

In the last blog, we looked at a host of irrational beliefs and the truths that lie behind them. Today we'll look at more:

Irrational belief: My life should be a happy one without any major problems or worries. I am angry, disappointed and/or depressed when things go wrong.

Truth: Unfortunate events can happen at any time, to any one. No-one is immune from life's traumas, including me. I can draw inspiration from knowing that whatever I am suffering, others have gone through before me.

Irrational belief: I must worry about difficult situations in my life and think of all the dire circumstances that could happen as a result.

Truth: Worrying serves no useful purpose. I will use my energy more productively by thinking of ways to improve the situation and call on outside resources to assist me if necessary. Worrying is like sitting on a rocking chair: there's a lot of effort happening but no real movement.

Irrational belief: I must blame or punish people who hurt me. It is my duty to make them see that they have done the wrong thing by me.

Truth: People will wittingly or unwittingly hurt me throughout the course of my life. There is no law preventing them from doing so. But I do not need to get caught up in revenge. I accept that people will do the wrong thing from time to time. I do as well. This is human infallibility and I can learn to accept it.

Irrational belief: It is better for me to avoid doing difficult things in life, especially things that challenge me emotionally, as it is better to avoid these events than to risk failure, embarrassment or rejection.

Truth: Life is for living to the full. If we are never fearful, or embarrassed or afraid, we have never truly lived. All the best things in life: loving another person, giving birth, learning new skills, consoling a desolate friend , are all inherently "scary" in some way, and yet, at the end of the day, are also the biggest prizes in life.

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Related articles:

Smash those irrational beliefs (1)

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Learn more about Beth McHugh

Beth McHugh began her career as a geologist and worked both in industry and as a university researcher.

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