We all spend an intense amount of time in our own minds - worries about the future and regrets from the past generally leave our minds clouded with negativity.
By mainly focussing on the parts of our lives that leave us dissatisfied, we prevent ourselves from enjoying the present. Negative thoughts also lead to a negative tongue; causing another vicious cycle.
Soon we'll be celebrating the New Year, and perhaps it's time we try and rid ourselves from negativity once and for all? Here are three ways that can help you adjust your negative thinking patterns.
Stop making excuses
It is very easy to find excuses for your lack of ambition or success; "she/he is so lucky," "I always have bad luck," "that's just the way things are for me"...
It is this constant 'playing the victim' approach that will get you nowhere, and create negativity within and around you. Therefore, you need to hold yourself accountable for the choices you make.
It is important, to be honest with yourself. Only you are responsible for your successes and failures. If you want to stop making excuses, then start by keeping yourself in check.
Learn to communicate honestly
Often, struggling to get what you want, can be because of your lack to communicate honestly. The first step is determining what you want and who you want to be, and then effectively self-disclosing your wants and needs to yourself and the world around you.
Keeping your inner thoughts and ambitions locked up, as a result of society around you, can lead to suppressed negativity. And keeping yourself bottled up can lead to anxiety and even anger.
We all have a fear of being judged. If the thought of disclosing your true self to others scares you, then take it one step back. Start by expressing yourself on pen and paper, a bathroom mirror, or to a four-legged companion. Whatever works for you.
Take control of what you choose to share with others
Boundaries. Boundaries. Boundaries. We all need them, especially if you want to keep your personal life, well, personal.
In the age of social media, it is sometimes hard to distinguish a clear line. Some people are judged for sharing too much, and others are interrogated for sharing too little.
Your boundaries are essential when it comes to how much you are willing to share and who you are willing to let in.
Many of us have a false idea of friendship. Your online popularity might be the complete opposite in your offline (FYI real-life), which can chip away at your self-esteem. So, take control of your real-life. Put as much effort and time into making, supporting, and keeping the right friends as you do when picking a filter and editing your next Instagram post.
Applying your time and energy in ways, and with people, that are meaningful to you will lead towards many personal achievements and leave little room for negativity.
It is impossible to rid ourselves from negativity entirely. But with enough practice, we might be able to control our negative thinking patterns, which can have a significant impact on our day-to-day happiness and future achievements.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication is not to be construed as medical advice. Consult a professional on any medical or psychological concerns. The articles and blogs are posted only as opinion or ideas, and are general in nature. The administrator takes no responsibility for any action or outcome a reader may make as a result of reading a post.