Cognitive restructuring
'Cognition' is a word used to denote a thought or belief, and 'restructuring' involves challenging a cognition by looking at the evidence for or against it. The basic idea behind cognitive restructuring is that thoughts themselves are not facts; you need to consider whether the thoughts you are having are true and to consider whether there are any other ways to thinking about a particular situation. At first this can be a real challenge: we often believe what we think and don't question our own thoughts. However, often our thinking is biased, and with perfectionism it can be biased towards thinking too negatively and harshly about yourself.
End of Session One
By now you may have a better understanding of what perfectionism is, are considering whether you want perfectionism in your life, and appreciate what impact keeping perfectionism may have.
Session Two will look at factors which keep perfectionism going through a perfectionism cycle
Take home message
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​Perfectionism is defined as trying to achieve demanding standards you have set yourself despite negative effects.
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Perfectionism is not the same as having high standards. This program is not about lowering your standards, but about achieving high standards in a healthy way (without perfectionism).
Before you go...
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