Argue with Yourself and Improve Your Health by Dr. Tony Fiore

Most of the time you will have ‘reality’ on your side. Your role is that of a detective as you ask, “What is the evidence for my belief?”

For example, is it really true that you never succeed in anything? (Very doubtful. Everybody succeeds some of the time.) That you are the worse parent you know? (Can you remember any success you had as a parent?)

That you are an incurable glutton? (Can you sometimes resist food?) That you are incredibly selfish? (How many times have you been unselfish?)

Using this skill of looking at the evidence, you can defeat pessimism with more accurate perception and recall of what is really true.

2.)Consider alternative causes. Most events in the world have more than one cause. Pessimists latch onto the most insidious; optimists tend more to give themselves a break.

For example, a marital breakup usually has many causes which probably contributed to its downfall. You can blame yourself. You can blame your partner. A more optimistic interpretation is that neither partner failed as an individual; it was the relationship (the combination) that failed.

3.)Put events into perspective. If the facts are not on your side and you cannot honestly see other causes to a negative event, you will need to look at the implications of your beliefs to become an optimistic thinker.

Is the event really as catastrophic as you may be making it in your mind? (Hint: few things are). Usually, the implications or long-term effects of your misfortune aren’t as awful or devastating as you may be seeing them.

4.)Is your belief useful? Even though a belief may, in fact, be true, it may not be useful. Some beliefs cause more grief than they are worth. You may tell yourself you are a failure, for instance. This belief will likely cause you to stop trying.

Instead, substitute a more useful belief like “Just because I failed once doesn’t make me a failure.” Then behave accordingly with your new belief.

By learning to use optimism, you can manage anger and improve your health. These four steps will help you overcome your negative tendencies and have a more optimistic view of life.

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BIO:

Dr. Tony Fiore is a So. California licensed psychologist, and anger
management trainer. His company, The Anger Coach, provides anger and
stress management programs, training and products to individuals,
couples, and the workplace. Sign up for his free monthly newsletter
"Taming The Anger Bee" at www.angercoach.com and receive two bonus
reports.

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