In the realm of cognitive distortions in jurisprudence, thinking mistakes are an all-too-common occurrence among individuals. These erroneous beliefs are generated by the brain's processing of individual life experiences, values, principles, and underlying beliefs. These constructs tend to become habitual and natural for individuals, who remain largely unaware of the fallacy of their thinking, as they significantly reduce the quality of life. To restructure one's perception of the self, the world, and situations, it is essential to identify the most common cognitive errors, using specific words and turns that signal the inflexibility of thinking, which is not adaptable to the unpredictable nature of life.

The relationship between an individual's speech and their thinking is direct, and as such, reshaping one's speech can facilitate a transformation in the patterns of thinking. By understanding and correcting the most common cognitive distortions, one can develop adaptive thinking, which can support them in life, instilling stability, confidence, and peace of mind.

Let us delve into the most common thinking mistakes and the accompanying marker words and phrases. These errors, when recognized, can lead to more adaptive thinking, which is better suited for real-life situations where there are no one-hundred-percent guarantees for anything.

Supergeneralization: Drawing conclusions based on a single fact or exaggerating a situation, using phrases such as "I ALWAYS/NEVER get things wrong," is typical of supergeneralization. This error leads to a sense of weakness and hopelessness. By noting only what is relevant to a particular situation, one can search for refutations and counterarguments based on previous experiences.

Duty: Idealizing and setting unrealistic demands on oneself and others, such as "I must not make mistakes," "I must always be in control," etc., leads to a rigid state of mind. Replacing such loaded phrases with words like "want," "would like," "would be good," provides a measure of inner freedom, allowing for choice.

Categorical thinking: Operating in absolutes, with no shades of gray, leads to polar thinking, where everything is either right or wrong. For example, "I have to be successful, or I'm nothing at all." This approach causes strong emotional reactions, leading to frustration and depressed moods. Adopting a broad and multivariant view of the situation, where there are numerous options, can help find a productive solution.

Reading the thoughts of others: Attributing one's fears and doubts to others, such as "If I do this, he'll think I'm a sucker, I screwed up," or "Everyone thinks the deal is off because of me," is a common error. Individuals can become so entangled in their unfounded speculations and self-blame that they cannot consider any other option. Examining the thought from various perspectives can help individuals separate themselves from the hypothesis and discover the truth by asking appropriate questions, as they cannot know precisely what others are thinking.

Depreciation, or the tendency to underestimate what is positive and focus on the negative, is a common thinking error that can hinder self-esteem and overall success. It's as if there is a built-in filter that prevents individuals from fully acknowledging their achievements and victories, leading to statements such as "I did it, but I could do better" or "It was just a situation, I did not do anything."

To combat this thinking error, individuals can create a list of 10 to 50 positive experiences and remind themselves of their accomplishments regularly. From minor victories to successful financial transactions, recognizing one's merit can boost self-esteem and shift focus to the positive.

Catastrophizing, or imagining the worst possible scenario, is another thinking error that can lead to anxiety and emotional discomfort. This negative prediction of the future often forms only at the level of fantasy and does not materialize in reality. To combat this tendency, individuals can adopt an objective view of the situation by asking questions such as "Is it really that terrible?" and "What does my previous experience tell me?" This type of reasoning can help to bring anxious thinking under control.

It is important to note that thinking errors are born in our own minds, meaning that we have control over our thoughts. With awareness and practice, individuals can sort through their thoughts, choose positive ones, and create a mindset that sustains and strengthens them. Just like regular exercise at the gym can lead to a strong body, regular work with our thoughts can lead to self-discipline, goal achievement, and greater success.