This is when you choose to only hear the negative message in something communicated to you. For example, your boss might have praised you on a job well done, but mentioned a small area where you might make a few changes next time. Your poor boss is trying to help you identify where you could fix just a few minor issues, and you're too busy turning this feedback into a damning criticism, failing to see the gigantic praise that came your way. If you think this way, then you'll never see the positive in any situation.
•To avoid filter thinking, reflect on the entire situation and even take notes. Make a list of all of the things that were said, positive and negative. If you write down everything your boss said to you during a generally positive meeting, then you'll have visual confirmation that the positive comments greatly outweigh the negative ones.