Strategies to Combat Personalizing

Introduction

Hey there, here to share some insights from our latest Therapy Connections podcast episode. Today, we’re delving into a common cognitive distortion called personalizing. Have you ever felt like everything revolves around you, especially when it’s not in a positive light? Yeah, that’s what personalizing is all about.

Understanding Personalizing

So, why do we fall into the trap of personalizing? Blame it on our brains! Seriously, Duke University even conducted a study on it. Our brains have a tendency to store information related to us in short-term memory, making us feel like the main characters in the story of our lives. It’s like watching Lord of the Rings and thinking everything is about Frodo and the ring. That’s how our brains work – everything connects back to us.

The Self-Blame Loop

But here’s the catch: when things go wrong, we often blame ourselves, even if it’s not directly our fault. Ever caught yourself saying, “If only I had done this differently”? Yeah, that’s personalizing at play. We feel responsible for everything, from our own lives to the lives of those we care about. It’s like being stuck in a loop of self-blame.

Lack of Credit for Success

Interestingly, when things go well, we rarely give ourselves credit. It’s as if luck or external factors played a bigger role. But when it’s bad, suddenly it’s all on us. Talk about unfair, right?

Breaking Free from Personalizing

So, how do we break free from personalizing? It starts with recognizing it. Simply acknowledging that you have this habit can be a game-changer. Then, try a little role reversal. Imagine if the situation happened to someone else – would you blame them as much as you blame yourself? Probably not.

Shifting Perspectives

Think of it this way: if your best friend made the same mistake you did, would you be as harsh on them as you are on yourself? Probably not, right? Exactly! So, cut yourself some slack and stop being the harshest critic in your own story.

Challenging Self-Blame

Challenging those self-blaming thoughts and practicing some role reversal can help you see things more clearly and rationally. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Conclusion

And hey, if you enjoyed today’s insights, make sure you catch our full podcast episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwlMACmfCXg

Remember to subscribe, follow, or leave us a positive review. Your support means the world to us. Until next time, take care and remember, you’re not the only character in this story. Thanks for tuning in!