Irrational Ideas

Have you ever been told that you’re being “irrational”? Have you ever gotten upset
about something and you feel that no one else understands? According to Rational
Therapy, there are certain “irrational ideas” that we, as human beings struggle with and
that are at the root of most of our emotional disturbances.

I consider this list to be very “eye opening” - especially when I feel I am not being
heard. Take these into consideration next time you get upset about something that
others may see as unimportant or trivial and see if you are able to challenge yourself to
think more “rationally”. We are creatures of habit - so once you are able to make a habit
out of thinking through your emotions, you will begin to see positive changes in your
general ability to adapt to almost all situations in a healthier way!

The list is as follows:

1) The idea that it is a dire necessity for an adult to be loved by everyone for everything
he does - instead of concentrating on his own self-respect, and on loving rather than
being loved.

2) The idea that certain acts are awful or wicked, and that people who perform
such acts should be severely punished - instead of the idea that certain acts are
inappropriate and antisocial, and that people that perform such acts are behaving
stupidly.

3) The idea that it is horrible when things are not the way you would like them to be -
instead of the idea that it is too bad and that you would be better off trying to change
or control the conditions so that they become more satisfactory, and, if that is not
possible, temporarily accept their existence.

4) The idea that human misery is externally caused and is forced on you by outside
people and events - instead of the idea that emotional disturbance is caused by the
your own personal view of the conditions.

5) The idea that if something is or may be dangerous or fearsome that you should be
terribly upset about it - instead of the idea that you would be better to face it and
render it non-dangerous and, when that is not possible, accept the inevitable.

6) The idea that it is easier to avoid than to face life difficulties and self-responsibilities
- instead of the idea that the so-called easy way is invariably the much harder way in
the long run.

7) The idea that you need something other or stronger or greater than yourself on which
to rely - instead of the idea that it is better to take the risks of thinking and acting
independently.

8) The idea that you should be thoroughly competent, intelligent, and achieving in all
possible respects - instead of the idea that you would better do rather than always
need to do well and accept yourself as a imperfect creature, who has general human
limitations.

9) The idea that because something once strongly affected your life, it should
indefinitely affect it - instead of the idea that you can learn from your past

experiences but not be overly attached to or prejudiced by them.

10)The idea that you must have perfect control over things - instead of the idea that
the world is full of probability and chance and that you can still enjoy life despite this.

11)The idea that human happiness can be achieved by inertia and inaction - instead
of the idea that humans tend to be happiest when they are vitally absorbed in
creative pursuits, or when they are devoting themselves to people or projects outside
themselves.

12)The idea that you have virtually no control over your emotions and that you
cannot help feeling certain things - instead of the idea that you have enormous
control over your destructive emotions if you choose to work at changing them.

If you would like to connect with me, you can click on this link

Thanks you,
Amanda Hill
Licensed Therapist, NCC