Step 4: Reframing
The fourth step in our 4-StepsTM approach allows us to acquire the necessary skill of reframing our beliefs to something more reasonable, balanced, and supported by evidence. When we gain more insight into our active beliefs that are causing our feelings and emotions, we can question them for their accuracy and how widely they apply. Ask what evidence supports the belief, and what evidence contradicts it.
You can listen to this lesson as a recording, or read it below.
What is Reframing?
Listen — 3 min 54 sec
Reframing is not about putting a positive spin on everything, or pretending things are fine when they are not. It is about being reasonable and balanced. It is very helpful to start slowly and move one believable step at a time. We call this the optimistic ladder: instead of jumping from “I am a complete failure” to “I am a total success”, aim for something only slightly more reasonable and better supported by evidence.
As our active beliefs shift so do our feelings and emotions. It does take time to reframe our beliefs because we likely have been repeating them to ourselves for many years. Be patient and kind.
With practice, we can build this reframing skill.
Let’s put reframing into practice.