Type of ANTs
This ANT thinks it knows what other people think/feel without even being told.
What is the Mind Reader ANT?
No matter how hard I study, I'll never get a good grade on my math test!
What is the Fortune Teller ANT?
Why are they automatic?
ANT's are thoughts that pop into your mind uninvited.
Thoughts are weak and don't change anything.
False: Thoughts have power! They can change how you feel and behave.
"It's all your fault that I don't have computer time!"
"Next time, I need to finish my work on time if I want to use the computer."
This ANT thinks it knows what will happen in the future.
What is the Fortune Teller ANT?
They don't like me and don't want to be friends with me!
What is the Mind Reader ANT?
Why are ANTs considered Negative?
They focus on what stops us from doing what we want or can. They make us feel sad, mad, worried or upset.
"I shouldn't have said that, now they think I'm weird" is an ANT.
True. It is a Mind Reader ANT.
"I'm feeling nervous about going to the middle school next year. I think I will just stay in 5th grade!"
"I'm nervous about going to the middle school, but I'm sure lots of kids feel that way."
This ANT doesn't use words like "Sometimes" and "Maybe"
What is the ALL or Nothing ANT?
I hate when it rains. Now the whole day is ruined!
What is the Just The Bad ANT?
How can you challenge an ANT?
Ask the Super Power Questions! Is this thought true? Am I 100% sure it's true?
The more ANTS we have, the harder it is to do what we want to do.
True. The more ANTS we have, the more angry we become and the more difficult it is for us to enjoy what we're doing.
"I passed my test, but Only got a B!"
"Getting a B on a test is pretty decent."
This ANT only sees the Bad in every situation.
What is the Just the Bad ANT
I forgot to do my homework, I Never do Anything right!
What is the All or Nothing ANT?
How can you replace the ANT?
Reframe the thought into what is true about the situation and consider the size of the problem.
ANTs can make a small situation seem worse.
True. ANTs make you feel sorry for yourself, can't see anything good, thinks up bad stuff and don't want you to admit your mistakes or learn how to fix things.
"Dom is always so annoying!"
"Even though, I might feel frustrated with Dom at times. I can try to get along with him and take space when needed."
This ANT always thinks she's the victim. It's never her fault.
What is the Blaming ANT?
She made me mad, it's All her fault!
What is the Blaming ANT?
How can you tell a thought is Not and ANT?
The thought is true, focused on what you can control and supported by evidence.
It is normal and natural to have some ANTS from time to time, but when they take over our thinking it can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness and hopelessness.
True.
"I made a mistake, I'm so dumb!"
"I made a mistake, but that's ok. Mistakes are a part of learning."