One of the negative things about anticipatory reality is that we often base our thoughts and conclusions on things that we have heard or have overplayed in our own heads. We begin to think about the worst thing that could happen or anything that could go wrong, but we have nothing to base it upon. Instead, we should always focus on the facts of a problem and realize what is actually there.

For example, you forgot to turn in a weekly report to your manager. Part of you begins to panic and starts thinking of the negative possibilities that could come from it, such as employee demerits, upsetting your boss or even getting fired. But when you stop to look at the facts and data that are involved in this situation, we can remain calm and positive. We know that (in this instance), the manager allows reports to be turned in a day late with a reasonable explanation. He has told you before that if something comes up, you are free to go speak with him. Once you’ve reviewed this helpful piece of information to yourself, you feel less worried about the little mistake you make and feel more confident about picking yourself back up and moving on.

Avoid:

• “Word of mouth” stories
• The “maybe” or “what if” possibilities
• Dramatized outcomes or over-reactions