Gremlin Tricks

Gremlin Tricks

Trick #1 - Scary thoughts should be taken seriously!

Counter-Strategy: I can accept all thoughts—they’re just thoughts and fighting them only helps Gremlin to get stronger. I can choose to behave based on my goals and values and not my automatic thoughts.

Trick #2 - You must be absolutely certain!

Counter-Strategy: Nothing is 100% certain…Trying to be absolutely certain only helps Gremlin… Uncertainty does not equal “bad”, it just means I don’t know…Just because I don’t know what the weather will be tomorrow, it doesn’t mean it will be a catastrophic hurricane…It’s normal and ok to be uncertain…Maybe the outcome will positive…If I seek out uncertainty, rather than avoid it, I can build up my uncertainty-tolerance.

Trick #3 - Discomfort is dangerous and should be avoided!

Counter-Strategy: Discomfort does not equal danger or damage, it’s just discomfort… Panic attacks are unpleasant, but not dangerous…It is ok to feel what I feel and choose what to do based on my life goals and values. I can build up my Gremlin-tolerance if I seek out and accept uncomfortable situations and feelings.

Trick #4 - If something feels dangerous than it is!

Counter-Strategy: That’s emotional reasoning…I won’t fall for that trick…Just because something feels dangerous doesn’t mean that it is dangerous…“Because it feels that way” is NOT real evidence…I can accept that this feels dangerous without overreacting.

Trick #5 - Perfection should be achieved!

Counter-Strategy: Nothing or no one is perfect. Trying to be or feel perfect always fails and helps only Gremlin! Instead of demanding perfection of myself, I’ll choose to seek out and accept imperfections!

Trick #6 - Anxious thoughts and feelings should be struggled against!

Counter-Strategy: Bring it on! Fighting discomfort only helps Gremlin in the long run…This is just Another Freeing Growth Opportunity (AFGO)! I can let Gremlin be background noise or simply ‘leaves blowing in the wind’…I can accept the presence of Gremlin and choose to pursue my own goals.”