It is an unfortunate reality. People, for whatever reason, are inclined to look down on themselves. We beat ourselves up over the silliest things. Maybe you said something ‘stupid’ to the man of your dreams, or maybe you messed up at work. While this negativity can be overwhelming, it can be beat. All you need to do is fight back with a little positivity.
Negative thinking can become a habit of mind and it doesn’t get you anywhere. Learn to ignore those negative thoughts and focus on being more positive, with yourself and towards others
Here are some strategies that can help you get through the struggle:
1. Become aware of the negative talk
Be more aware of your thoughts. When you are paying attention to them, you can see how often these negative thoughts pop up. It may take you a while, but once you understand what triggers your pessimism, you can better determine how to deal with it. Listening and knowing yourself is the first step.
2. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations
Stop the bad thoughts in its tracks by making them positive. Positive affirmations promote confidence and the more often you say it, the more true it will become. If you say them, you are addressing the negative facets in your life and spinning them around in a positive way. Use phrases that will spur you forward. Be specific, it will help you see things more clearly.
3. Get rid of outside influences
It’s hard to escape negative thoughts when you are surrounded by people who confirm those thoughts. One minute you’re completely fine, and the next thing you know someone says something negative and all your positive thoughts go right out the window. While you can develop strategies for dealing with these sorts of people, cutting them off completely is the best way. You don’t need toxic people in your life.
4. Focus on the present
You’ve made it this far for a reason. Dwelling on the past can make you lose sight of your present life. Don’t beat yourself up for something that happened a long time ago. Remember, you cannot change the past by thinking about it now, so why bother?
5. Use possible thinking
When you keep hearing the negative, it can be difficult to believe the positive you are trying to feed yourself. Forcing yourself to be positive when you are feeling down can make things worse, be realistic. Try to take a neutral approach. If you know you’ve been a negative mess at work lately, be honest about it. Admit and acknowledge your negativity and do what you need to do to turn it around. Understanding makes all the difference. By knowing what you need to do will create a positive attitude because you are trying.
6. Treat yourself like you would a friend
Odds are, you are your own worst enemy. We say things to ourselves that we would never dare utter to another human being. When you start talking yourself down, think about whether or not you would say those things to a friend. Show a little compassion for yourself. You deserve it