This week we will be discussing one of the most difficult cognitive distortions many people face. We are talking about “all or nothing thinking”. 

Licensed Therapist Ashley Thorne defines this as “you only have two options and there is no gray area in between.” It is the thinking that you can’t be beautiful and have flaws, you can’t be successful and have failures. This thinking is that happiness can only be found if you are currently on the positive side.

Today we continue our discussion about All or Nothing thinking. The focus today is learning and unlearning. 

You do not have to quit something to start a new “something”. You can start learning a new habit, skill, or hobby. Think of healthier eating habits. Some may feel they shouldn’t eat healthier while still being overweight, or having another unhealthy lifestyle. It is possible to learn to eat healthy while unlearning the unhealthy lifestyle or habit.

Consider asking yourself the following five questions:

What are your values?

How do those values fit into your thoughts, questions, and decisions?

What are the Pros and Cons to both sides of the argument?

What are the facts and what are my assumptions?

What are the emotions I feel or felt?

When you list an array of emotions it is easy to see the situation is black and white.

Progress does not have to be absolute. You can begin to learn good habits and unlearn the bad habits at the same time. Cold turkey is not the only kind of progress.

Carl Bard says, “Though no one can back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

Good Risings is a mindset. Join Jacqueline MacInnes Wood & Bryan McMullin for a daily dose of Good Vibes & Mindfulness.

Presented By: Cavalry Audio. 

Producers: Jason Seagraves & Margot Carmichael. 

Audio Editing: Revision Sound.

Music: Gramoscope Music. 

Show Notes by: Brett Burris

Executive Producers: Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, Bryan McMullin, Dana Brunetti & Keegan Rosenberger. 

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