Rational Idea 1

I want to be loved or liked and approved of by some of the people in my life. I will feel disappointed or lonely when that doesn't happen, but I can cope with those feelings, and I can take constructive steps to make and keep better relationships.

Rational Idea 2

I want to do some things well, most of the time. Like everybody, I will occasionally fail or make a mistake. Then I will feel bad, but I can cope with that, and I can take constructive steps to do better next time.

Rational Idea 3

It is sad that most of us do some bad things from time to time, and some people do a lot of bad things. But making myself very upset won't change that.

Rational Idea 4

It is disappointing when things aren't how I would like them to be, but I can cope with that. Usually I can take constructive steps to make things more as I would like them to be, but if I can't, it doesn't help me to exaggerate my disappointment.

Rational Idea 5

My problem(s) may be influenced by factors outside my control, but my thoughts and actions also influence my problem(s), and they are under my control.

Rational Idea 6

Worrying about something that might go wrong won't stop it from happening, it just makes me unhappy now! I can take constructive steps to prepare for possible problems, and that's as much as anyone can do. So I won't dwell on the future now.

Rational Idea 7

Facing difficult situations will make me feel bad at the time, but I can cope with that. Putting off problems doesn't make them any easier, it just gives me longer to worry about them.

Rational Idea 8

It's good to get support from others when I want it, but the only person I really need to rely on is myself (and God!).

Rational Idea 9

My problem(s) may have started in some past events, but what keeps it (them) going now are my thoughts and actions, and they are under my control.

Rational Idea 10

It is sad to see other people in trouble, but I don't help them by making myself miserable. I can cope with feeling sad, and sometimes I can take constructive steps to help them.

Author Unknown