by Michael Corthell
All of us have to guard against negative thinking because of it's powerful effects, which can be much more powerful than the subtler and often gentler positive mindset. However, in the end, negative thinking fails and its results are thankfully, impermanent. The good and the positive will always drive out the darkness of evil in the end, but that's the 'big picture'. Individuals can sink themselves with their pessimistic outlooks.
But, in the short-term, negativity gets you noticed. If you dare to, try this as an experiment: When you get to work, take a deep breath, sigh, look really pissed, and announce within the earshot of your co-workers, "This place really sucks." People will be startled and look up. You've got their immediate attention and a dark cloud has covered the room. However, when you say, ''Good morning everyone!'' or ''Everyone have a great day!'' it is often brushed off and taken for granted. This illustrates why many people like negativity so much—you get noticed.
Such negative statements are usually received initially with unquestioned acceptance. But if you have a concerned, empathetic co-worker, they may ask you, "What, why is that?" And if you say, "Problems! Everything around here is the problem!! Where do you want me to start?" Most of the time heads will nod with sympathetic understanding. If you encourage them, people love to whine and complain. Misery, does indeed, love company and complainer do have their followers.
If you are negative minded, a chronic complainer, you will be amazed when you change your negative mindset to positive one. You can't imagine just how much having negative thoughts is affecting your life—until you stop having them.
It is an unfortunate fact that negative thinking many times is at the root of depression, and anxiety. In order to live happy, productive lives you must keep our negative thoughts in check.
Whenever you start thinking negative thoughts, you need to change them―immediately. Look for these three major types of negative thoughts: Negative thoughts about self. Negative thoughts about others. and negative thoughts about the future.
Negative thoughts about others and other situations (cynicism) is the type of negativity that must be conquered first.
Cynical people perceive most people as uncaring, and up to no good. A negative Ned or Nancy will focus only on the faults, shortcomings, and limitations of others and overlook their positive qualities, strengths and achievements. Cynical people overgeneralize their bad experiences with all the people they meet and see the whole world in a negative light. Negative thoughts pave the way for helpless resignation; "Nobody can help me." Negative thoughts about ourselves and others can also lead to hopelessness, which is the most dangerous type of negative thinking.
Try another experiment by answering the following questions:
- Do you look forward to the future with hope and enthusiasm?
- Do you believe that you can make things better for yourself?
- When things are going bad, do you believe that they can't stay that way forever?
- Do you believe that your life will be better in five or ten years?
- Do you feel you have enough time to accomplish the things you want to do?
- In the long run, do you expect to succeed?
- Do you see yourself as a fortunate person?
- Do you expect to get more of the good things in life?
- Do you feel what you've learned in life has prepared you well for the future?
- When you look ahead to the future, do you expect to be happy and content?
Where your answers mainly negative? If they were, need to change your mindset right now.
Allow yourself to do the following:
Believe a Positive Mindset and Attitude is simply a choice
Know that it’s up to you to find the good in all people places and things. Always be positive, regardless of what’s happening around you. And never point fingers and place blame.
Dump Negativity
If you want to live a positive, happy and an exceptionally joyful life, you cannot be surrounded by negative people who don’t or won't encourage your happiness. Move away from these types of people as fast as possible(if possible).
Actively Look For the Positive
There is some good in every person, in every place and in every situation. Sometimes it’s not obvious. We have to look. And sometimes we have to look really hard, but it's there, trust me.
Be aware and acknowledge negative thoughts. Positive thinkers will sometimes have negative self-talk moments, thoughts that flash through their minds, but the difference is they’re going to be aware of them and do something about them. They will always turn toward the positive.
Scientific studies on positive thinking show conclusively that it fosters optimum health. Life benefits that positive thinking may provide you with include:
- Increased life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Stronger immune response which can lead to increased resistance to disease.
- Better overall psychological and physical well-being
- Better ability to cope during hardships and times of extreme stress
Negative thinkers will often achieve success by being bullies and sharp operators, but in the end, unless they change, are always losers.
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The Power of Negative Thinking
(or why you should have a positive mindset)
(or why you should have a positive mindset)
by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
Balancing the positive and negative, Dr. Chamorro-Premuzic urges the audience to take a more self-aware approach to confidence, and to embrace the power of negative thinking. This is a great message delivered with humor.
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