254: Cognitive Distortions: The Mindset of a Six-Figure Nurse Coach (Part 1)
In today’s episode, Laura teaches one of her favorite coaching concepts: cognitive distortions: the mental shortcuts and biased thought patterns that shape how we see ourselves and the world. Whether you're a brand-new nurse curious about coaching, a student in certification, or an established nurse coach, this episode breaks down the 10 most common cognitive distortions we see in ourselves and in the people around us.
The 10 Cognitive Distortions
- All-or-Nothing Thinking: "If I can't commit 100%, there's no point starting." Reframe: Progress doesn't require perfection.
- Overgeneralization: "I'll never get a paid client." Reframe: One experience does not establish a pattern.
- Minimizing & Magnifying (Catastrophizing): "If I invest and it doesn't work, I'll be homeless." Reframe: What's the most likely outcome?
- Shoulds: "I should have figured this out years ago." Reframe: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.
- Labeling: "My client didn't renew — I'm not good at this." Reframe: One outcome doesn't define your worth. If you're going to label, label positive.
- Jumping to Conclusions (Mind Reading & Fortune Telling): "They're all judging me." Reframe: You're not a mind reader. Intuition is never fear-based; projection is.
- Discounting the Positive: "That client hiring me was just luck." Reframe: Stop systematically erasing evidence of your own competence.
- Blame & Personalization: "If she hadn't yelled at me, I wouldn't have been angry." Reframe: Clean up your side of the street. Take accountability for what's yours; release what isn't.
- Emotional Reasoning: "I feel like a fraud, so I must be one." Reframe: Feelings are data, not verdicts. Would your case hold up in court?
- Mental Filter: "Nine things went well but I said one awkward thing — that's all I can think about." Reframe: You're filtering out the 90% that worked. Widen the frame.
Tune in next week for part 2 of this amazing masterclass.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g4pOyLyNVrw
