All or nothing, good or bad, never or always, black or white. Too often, we become stuck in an ‘all or nothing’, or polarized, pattern of thinking. It is considered one of the common thought distortions that challenges us; so you my friend, are not alone.
If you take a few moments to consider some recent thoughts, you may notice this distortion. Have you been frustrated with yourself or a loved one? “You always forget!” Or maybe, you fell short of completing all of your tasks for the day. “I am such a failure!” Perhaps, you are filled with stifling fear; “Nothing is safe anymore!”
Identifying when you are stuck in this type of pattern allows for the opportunity to challenge this unhelpful thinking to make your thoughts better serve you. I encourage you to find “the grey”. In other words, what is the exception to your always or never situation?
