Pessimists and Negative Thinking
Are you are negative thinker? Do you always feel the worst is going to happen? Do you always think the worst of every situation and that if something goes wrong it is always your fault?
Constant negative thinking can lead to depression and anxiety. It can also lead to sleeplessness if you constantly replay negative scenarios over in your head.
We all have positive and negative thoughts and being a pessimist can have some benefits, because that negative side of you can work out possible problems in any project with which you are involved and take steps to overcome them. Being a constant ray of sunshine can also be irritating to some others. But constant negativity is extremely draining and tiring, as you will always consider yourself a failure, no matter how well you do.
Both positive and negative thoughts can be creative and lead to progress and improvements, and our experiences and environment result from our predominant thoughts.
“We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are.” (Anais Nin)
That is, if you see everything through negative glasses, then the world will always seem harsh and cruel to you, whereas if you view it through positive glasses, then it will appear fair and welcoming.
Learning Experience
Negative occurrences can be used as learning experiences. What happens to you is not always someone else’s fault (though of course it can be) so learn to take responsibility for your own thoughts and actions and stop blaming other people for what you are going through. The following tips will help you to be more positive.
Avoid Negative Influences
Much like dieters need to stay out of the kitchen, you should stay away from anybody who is likely to influence you negatively. Be it a close friend or a family member, stay away from them. Take your time and choose your friends wisely because they will have a serious impact on your behavior. Sometimes, a particular person can be so toxic to your well-being that you have to seriously consider whether you should cut them out of your life entirely. This can be an extremely difficult decision but may be necessary in some cases for your own health. Furthermore, do what you are comfortable with. If you feel bad, concerned or guilty because of doing something, you better not do it.
Replace negative thoughts with positive ones
Try to view every situation from a brighter side. If you do this long enough, it will become your habit and this will eventually improve your positive thinking. Everything can be framed positively. Instead of saying a half glass of water is half empty, view it as half full. Even when you fail to achieve what you wanted, at least you have gained certain experiences that will make you better. Every situation has both negative and positive aspects. So, it is up to you to choose where to focus your thoughts.
Smile
A positive attitude goes hand in hand with happiness. Even when things are not going as planned, at least smile to lift your mood. Do not worry so much til you cannot afford a simple smile. Share your positive experience with others and this will boost your moods. Making yourself smile can actually help to improve your mood, in some way, the effect of moving those facial muscles into a smile boosts your emotional mood to become more positive.
Surround yourself with positive activities
Your daily activities also determine how positive you can be. All activities you get involved in each day should occupy your day in a very positive way. For instance, your entertainment should be positive. Do only those things you love doing. If it is watching movies, listening to music or engaging in sports activities, do it with passion, and this will boost positive thinking.
Admit that there are problems.
You will be surprised that some people do not even identify and admit that there are problems affecting them, in fact, they will often deny there is a problem and stay firmly tucked in their comfort zone. By identifying your problem, you will find possible solutions and this will help you become positive.
Ask for feedback.
Try to know what you are by asking your close friends or family members. You can as well involve experts to assess your behavior and give you feedback. Feedback will give you various perspectives from which you can decide on an appropriate course of action.
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