Page 28 - Tree of Happiness

1. I did not pay attention at the game and played poorly. WS or ES
2. I played poorly today; and I will never be any good. WS or ES
3. I did not read my poem very well; I should practice more. WS or ES
4. My poem reading is terrible and everyone thinks I am a fool. WS or ES
5. I made the best grade because I’m the smartest and I will always be best. WS or ES
6. I made the best grade on the test and I need to keep working hard to do that again. WS or ES
7. It would be nice if I make the best grade on the test. WS or ES
8. I must make the best grade on this test or I will just die. WS or ES
It is obvious that Wizard Statements generate more intense, negative emotions, such as embarrassment, shame, anger, jealousy and arrogance, than the Elf Statements. Wizard statements also generate more intense and inappropriate behaviors.
When looking at these Wizard Statements, notice “Absolutist Words” like “must,” “never,” and “always”. These types of words are often a part of a Wizard Statement. Notice that Wizard Statements are based on assumptions, not facts. They almost always assume the worst possible consequences as in: “I must make the best grade or I will just die.”
Wizard/ Elf statements: 1. ES, 2. WS, 3. ES, 4. WS, 5. WS 6. ES, 7. ES, 8. WS
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