Most of us consider thinking<\/em> a good thing, something we do to solve problems or recollect fond memories. But sometimes, our thinking can be counterproductive. You know the times…something goes wrong and you think \u201cthis is all my fault\u201d or \u201cI should have seen this coming.\u201d In a little while that voice in your head has you convinced you\u2019re a total failure. Welcome to stinking thinking<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The phrase \u201cstinking thinking,\u201d or cognitive distortions, is used to describe any thinking that makes you believe you will fail, that bad things will happen, or that somehow you are not a good person. You\u2019re more vulnerable to it when you\u2019re under some stress, and if not controlled stinking thinking can turn into a spiral of negativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is, if we can recognize them, we can fight back and replace the negative thoughts with more accurate positive ones. Here are some of the most common kinds of stinking thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overgeneralization<\/span> is when you take a single event and draw big conclusions from it, so that making one mistake in keeping the books becomes \u201cI will never<\/em> be able to keep the books. I\u2019ll always<\/em> be hopeless at it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mental filters<\/span> happen when you only pay attention to the negative and discount the positive. You may be a great parent, but all you can think about is the time you had to miss your daughter\u2019s dance recital because of harvest…or you may discount your positive accomplishments, thinking \u201cthat was just luck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Catastrophizing<\/span> occurs when you assume the worst possible outcome to a situation. A common one I hear is \u201cIf I admit, even once, that I\u2019m tired and stressed then everyone will see me as weak and I\u2019ll be a laughingstock and not able to hold my head up in my community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n First and foremost, when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, stop for a moment to see if you\u2019re doing stinking thinking. Ask \u201cwhat are my thoughts as I\u2019m feeling overwhelmed?\u201d and then ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not sure if your thinking is on target or distorted, check in with someone you trust. Together you can sort out fact from emotion, get rid of those stinking distortions, tame your stressful thoughts, and thrive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/thriving\/files\/2023\/02\/Stinkin-Thinkin-FB-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat is Stinking Thinking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Can You Do to Fight Stinking Thinking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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