A control fallacy is one type of cognitive distortion involving beliefs about our total control or lack thereof over situations. Both beliefs—either we are in complete control or have no control over our life—are equally inaccurate.
At times, it can be easy to believe that we are entirely responsible for our situations and the impact it has on those around us.
While it’s true, our decision-making naturally leads us to consequences, there’s often more to that equation. Our context is full of other external factors that hold influence. We cannot take all the credit— but what we can do is narrow our scope of control. How?
On the other side of that coin is believing we’ve fallen victim to fate. This belief orients us as bystanders in our own lives and leaves us feeling helpless.
To challenge this, we must seek out areas in our day to day lives—again narrowing our scope of control—where we do have more control. At a minimum, we can shift our negative self-talk into more self-compassion self-talk.
Which side of the fallacy do you often find yourself in? Having complete control or none at all?
Written by: Elaine Raif
COMPANY
SERVICES
CONTACT
All Rights Reserved | Rose Junie Therapy
Designed by Vantix Digital