Offices in Garden City, Roslyn Heights, and Rockville Centre
(516) 732-0273
Offices in Garden City, Roslyn Heights, and Rockville Centre
info@lipsychologist.com

Shades of Grey: How Black and White Thinking Damages Your Perspective

by Aug 17, 2021Self Esteem and Confidence

When people describe something – how they are feeling today, a past experience, what they think about their performance or appearance, or nearly anything else – they often choose one word in a pair of opposites. Maybe they are doing good today, their last vacation was exhausting, and their work performance was a failure. This is an example of black and white thinking, a way of looking at things as all or nothing.

But few things are rarely all bad or good, all beautiful or ugly, all success or failure. Tasks are rarely impossible and results are never perfect. While this thinking enables us to give a quick assessment to either ourselves or others, it is actually a cognitive distortion. It can limit our confidence, erode relationships, and keep us from new experiences. It also directly impacts emotions.

How to Stop Thinking in Black and White

There are a few different names for black and white thinking: dichotomous thinking, splitting (in the context of Borderline Personality Disorder), and all-or-nothing thinking. It can be tied to a mental health disorder or past trauma, and is a dominant way of thinking for perfectionists. Once you start thinking in black and white, it can quickly become a habit.

When you use extremes to describe a situation, you soon start believing those extremes, even if the reality is a healthier middle ground. You can break yourself from this way of thinking by focusing on “grey thinking,” finding the middle ground by:

  • Using “Grey” Words – When you are compelled to describe something, soften the description. Instead of “I am a bad person,” try “I am a complicated person” or “At this moment, I feel like a bad person.”
  • Practicing Mindfulness – Taking time for self awareness gives you a chance to delve deeper into your thoughts, enabling you to understand them in a more nuanced way.
  • Name Specifics – If you notice yourself thinking in black and white, name one specific positive and one specific negative. If you hate work, maybe you like your coworker but dislike a job duty.

Like any habit, quitting black and white thinking takes effort and commitment. Many people benefit from seeing a psychologist as well who can give them support and tailored techniques to help change their way of thinking and address issues caused by black and white thinking, such as anxiety and depression.

Contact Long Island Psychology Today

If you have any questions about individual, group, or couples therapy (marriage counseling) or about working with a psychologist/therapist please do not hesitate to call.

We have offices in Garden City, Rockville Centre, and Roslyn Heights, NY. We also have remote therapy options available. If you need help on Long Island on or near Nassau County, contact Long Island Psychology, today. 

Contact:

(516) 732-0273
info@lipsychologist.com

Download All Our Free Ebooks

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download all of our available ebooks.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Download Your Free Ebook

Download Your Free Ebook

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download your free ebook, Understanding Anxiety.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Download Your Free Ebook

Download Your Free Ebook

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download your free ebook, Understanding Relationships.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Download Your Free Ebook

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download your free ebook, Understanding Resilience.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Download Your Free Ebook

Please complete the form below to subscribe and download your free ebook, Understanding Depression.

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This