What it sounds like
- They only liked my work because they were being nice.
- "They only hired me because they needed someone fast." Sure, and not because you were qualified. Very normal brain nonsense.
Cognitive distortion
Discounting the Positive
Rejecting good things as if they do not count.
Classic tell: They only liked my work because they were being nice.
Back to the guideFurther explanation
What is happening underneath?
Rejecting good things as if they do not count.
Good evidence is dismissed as luck, politeness, timing, or not enough. The win arrives and gets denied entry at the door.
How to tell
- Compliments, results, and progress are explained away rather than included in the record.
Why people use it
- Letting good evidence count can feel vulnerable if your self-image is built around not expecting much.
How to respond
- Ask: "If this positive thing happened to a friend, would I erase it this fast?"
Manipulation watch
How this gets used on people.
- Beauty and productivity marketing depends on people discounting what already works about them so the product can become the missing proof.