Catastrophizing is a ‘cognitive distortion.’ A person who usually sees an unfavourable outcome to an event and then decides that if this outcome does happen, the results will be a disaster. This is a state that is seen more and more these days as we want to bite more than what we can chew.
Some examples at work may include:
•What if I forget my presentation speech in front of the audience? I will feel embarrassed for the rest of my life?
•My manager undermines me each time we are in a team meeting. What should I do? If I approach him to discuss how I feel, will he fire me? I can’t afford to lose my job.
Six tips for managing this condition include.
• Becoming aware that unpleasant things happen
•Acknowledge when thoughts are irrational
•Saying “stop!”. To cease the repetitive, catastrophic thoughts, a person may have to say out loud or in their head “stop!” or “no more!”
•Thinking about a positive outcome: Instead of thinking about a negative one.
•Offering positive affirmations daily to reduce the tendency to fear the worst.
•Practising excellent self-care: Getting enough rest and engaging in stress-relieving techniques can overcomethis negative spiral of thoughts.
Strengths-based Coaching can help you develop the resources to see work from an objective and realistic perspective. Send me a message if you have any questions.
