Do you tend to focus on negative details?

• Upon submitting a project for approval, the overwhelmingly positive feedback is quickly overshadowed by one piece of constructive criticism. This can lead you to believe that you are doing a poor job, even though this is not what you were told.
• A colleague fails to greet you when you...

In psychology, a cost-benefit analysis is a technique used as part of cognitive behavioural therapy.  

 Asking your friends or colleagues for an objective opinion on your performance or achievements is a good way to gauge your ability or progress. If you have become entrenched in negative self-talk, listen carefully to what others objectively report.

Mental Filtering can be described as focusing only on the negative aspects of an event, such as I ruined the whole recital because of that one mistake.

Challenging unhelpful thought patterns and becoming more objective can help to avoid the automatic descent into unwarranted negativity.

To manage this cognitive distortion, you must consciously start to manage negative thought patterns so you can begin to see your efforts and achievements in a more positive light.