CR8: Positive Data Log
Virtual Coach
Work step-by-step through the Cognitive Restructuring exercise with the virtual coach.
Introduction
Negative beliefs— “Nothing ever works out,” “I mess everything up”— survive by ignoring counter-evidence.
A Positive Data Log breaks that bias. Each day you record small successes, kind words, and moments of progress that contradict your self-doubt. In clinical trials, patients who keep these logs show faster drops in depressive rumination and longer-lasting gains after therapy.
Instructions
Goal: Capture 5 pieces of positive data each day for 30 days.
Time per entry: 1 minute or less.
Step 1: Pick a Target Belief
Choose one core self-doubt to test across the month.
Example: “I’m incompetent.”
Write it at the top of your worksheet—narrow focus sharpens the data.
Step 2: Log the Date & Event
Write the date and one small moment of success, praise, or progress.
Example: “Tue 6/26 – Fixed spreadsheet bug in 20 min.”
Micro-events count—size doesn’t matter.
Step 3: Rate Impact (1–3)
Score how strongly the moment contradicts your target belief.
1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = strong disconfirming data
Example: Bug-fix = “2”
High scores highlight “heavy hitters.”
Step 4: Add One Feeling Word
Note what you felt in the moment.
Example: “Pride.”
This links evidence to an emotional shift.
Step 5: Tally Weekly Totals
Every Sunday, add up your scores and plot the total on your worksheet graph.
Example: 5-day total = 26
Rising lines = rising motivation.
Step 6: Review at 30 Days
Re-rate your belief in the original target thought (0–100%).
Example: dropped from 80% to 45%
If belief is still >60%, extend the log another month.
FAQs
What counts as “positive” if my day was awful?
Anything that nudges the target belief even 1 %. Examples: you got out of bed on time, asked for help, caught one distorted thought.
Isn’t this just forced optimism?
No—entries must be observable facts. You’re balancing the ledger, not pretending bad stuff didn’t happen.
I forget to log in real time—okay to batch at night?
Yes, but jot a quick keyword (“bug fix”) on your phone when it happens; details fade fast.
When do I stop?
When belief in the negative thought stays ≤ 30 % for two straight weeks, or you’ve internalized a more balanced core belief.
Disclaimer
If you have any behavioral health questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare or mental healthcare provider. This article is supported by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from behavioral health societies and governmental agencies. However, it is not a substitute for professional behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
