Types
What is an example of the Blaming Ant?
It's all your fault
This is the WORST school project ever!
Just the Bad Ant
Why are they automatic?
ANTs come into our heads without us knowing or wanting them to
ANTS are only found outside.
False: ANTs represent negative thoughts, they can pop up anywhere you are
What is an example of the Mind Reader Ant?
They are all laughing at us.
Everybody thinks we'll do a bad job.
I NEVER get picked for the team at recess!
All or Nothing Ant
Why are ANTs considered negative?
They focus on what stops us from doing what we want
ANTs can stop you from doing as well as you can
True: ANTs can make you feel insignificant, make you stuck and focus on things you can't really change
What is an example of a Fortune Telling Ant?
I will never make the soccer team.
Everybody thinks we'll do a bad job at the concert.
Mind Reader Ant
How can you catch an ANT?
Is it true? Are you 100% sure that it's true?
"I shouldn't have said that. Now they think I'm weird" is an ANT
True: a lot of Should/Shouldn't sentences are ANTs
What is an example of the Just the Bad Ant?
This is the worst day ever!
My art project looks terrible.
He did it, not me!
The Blaming Ant
How can you replace the ANT?
Put a positive spin on a thought and consider the size of the problem
"I did my best" is an ANT
False: this statement is positively recognizing you did what you could
We will never make any money!
I always sit by myself!
I never get picked to play!
I WILL not be able to collect enough cans to win the food drive contest in time.
The Fortune Teller Ant
How can you tell a thought isn't an ANT?
The thought is positive, focused on what you can control and supported by evidence
The more ANTs present 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.