Let's Bust Through Negativity

Photo: @wanaktek via Twenty20

Negativity becomes a habit and like any habit - good or bad - it can be broken. All you need is the same thing that contributed to its formation -- repetition. The more you do something, anything… consciously or not… the more likely you are to keep doing it. Luckily, you can stop a habit that isn't serving you by becoming aware and replacing it with a new, more welcome behavior.

Breaking the negativity habit begins with self-awareness. Is it your go-to reaction in life? Ask yourself these questions to see:

Question? When things go wrong, do you automatically blame someone for the failure?

Question? Do you find yourself often being judgemental? Do you tend to see "improvements" that could be made and feel justified sharing them?

Question? Do you often tell people they are too sensitive when they feel defensive about something you say?

Question? When you are stressed, does your first reaction tend to be pessimistic and gloomy?

Being negative might be so natural that you simply don’t realize it’s your default reaction to things. That’s ok! You are on your way to a better understanding and an opportunity to make some change!

Breaking the negativity habit might take some time. Once aware that you tend towards negativity, your next step is to pay attention to your reactions. When you find yourself triggered to be cynical or fatalistic, STOP! Hold your thoughts instead of sharing them. It might not be easy in the beginning because it won’t feel normal to keep things to yourself, but hold on, it will get easier!

As you get used to just sitting with your thoughts, you can try a new step by replacing your old habit of being negative, with a new and better one. This might be as simple as saying nothing when you are used to being negative. Remaining neutral can be a good thing! Also, you can go for the positive tract and say something good about the situation. The key is to change up your usual reaction and replace it with one that works for you, not against you.

Once you start being positive, it becomes easier. In the same way it takes time to drop the negativity habit, it takes time to adopt the positivity habit. Don’t worry, it will happen. In every situation look for what is right. Of course, you may also see what’s not quite right, but unless it affects the safety of others, practice keeping your negative thoughts in check and focus on the positive.

Sparkles and Love,