Which thought process is exemplified when an individual's self-criticism leads them to expect failure in a task?

The thought process exemplified by an individual's self-criticism that leads them to expect failure in a task is best described by the concept of "Not Drawing the Line." This cognitive pattern occurs when individuals fail to set realistic boundaries for themselves, often leading to overly harsh self-assessments that do not take into account their actual capabilities or potential for success.

As individuals engage in self-criticism, they may convince themselves that they are not good enough or that they will inevitably fail, which sets a psychological precedent for failure. This thought process can create a self-fulfilling prophecy where the negative expectations they hold about themselves hinder their performance and outcomes. In contrast to other options, which may relate to different cognitive distortions or philosophical viewpoints, "Not Drawing the Line" focuses specifically on the lack of a balanced perspective in self-evaluation, driving the expectation of failure.