Cognitive Distortions: The “Shoulds” Worksheet

On this page, we will provide you with a Cognitive Distortions: The shoulds worksheet. It will help you to stay in your present rather than fussing over the future.

What Cognitive Distortions: The “Shoulds” Worksheet?

Should statements are the kind of cognitive distortions in which people use words like it Should be done, ought to be done, this shows that the person lacks the vision to see the reality. You focus on what you believe should be,  It focuses on the future rather than the present. 

How will cognitive Distortions: The “Shoulds” Worksheethelp?

This worksheet will help you to stay close to reality and be present in your current reality rather than stressing over what should have been or what ought to be, you say, this is what it is. These kinds of the statement” The shoulds’ puts pressure on you about the future which leads to anxiety. By knowing about this cognitive distortion, you will be able to deal with your anxious thoughts effectively.

Instructions on how to use the Cognitive Distortions: The “Shoulds” Worksheet

Next time Whenever such irrational thought appears you identify them and then work on your irrational thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts.

Other worksheets you maybe interested in 

Below are links to a few more worksheets which are closely related to the worksheet above.

Cognitive Distortions: All Or Nothing Thinking Worksheet

Cognitive Distortions: Blaming Worksheet

Cognitive Distortions: Filtering Worksheet

Conclusion

On this page, we provided you with a Cognitive Distortions worksheet which hopefully helped you to stay in your present rather than fussing over the future.

If you have any questions or comments please let us know.

Resources

The worksheets on this site should not be used in place of professional advice from a mental health professional. 

You should always seek help from a mental health professional or medical professional. We are not providing any advice or recommendations here.

There are various resources where you can seek help.

You could use Online-Therapy if you feel you need counselling.

If you live in the UK then this list of resources from the NHS may help you find help.

If you live in the USA then you could contact Mental Health America who may be able to assist you further.