Negative and sabotaging thoughts are often the main triggers of failure. They prevent us from growing, using our potential, awakening our talents and advancing.
Just when everything is going well, these obsessive and toxic thoughts suddenly appear and threaten our self-esteem, bringing us many obstacles.
Some of them are, for example: "I will never succeed," or "Everyone will laugh at my idea," and the like.
Negative thoughts are born in everyone, the difference is how you react to them.
Instead of wasting energy and letting them get you, try the following things and get rid of them in 5 minutes.
1. Negative thoughts contain information
They are trying to tell you something, so ask yourself: "What is driving this negative thought?" He may be trying to tell you that you are afraid or that you need extra support.
Once you identify the source of the negative thought, you can get rid of it. For example, if it's a fear of failing at something that's important to you, start writing a list of options to eliminate that fear.
- I can quit (a bad option, but it exists).
- I can break my goal down into small tasks and start with the simplest step.
- Can I ask for help.
After considering all the options, choose the one that suits you best.
2. Calming negative thoughts
One way to calm negative thoughts is to ask yourself: "What should I choose?"
You always have a choice in every situation and in every circumstance. You can listen to your negative thoughts and let them take over, or you can focus your energy and attention on something else.
Choice helps you regain control and silence such thoughts.
3. Negative thoughts direct your life
When negative thoughts start to guide you, you can fight their lies with questions that start with "why".
Let's say your negative thoughts are whispering to you that you will never find true love.
Negative and toxic phrases begin to follow, such as:
- "I'm not thin or pretty enough."
- "No one will pay attention to me."
- "I will never find the right partner for me."
You can counter negativity by asking yourself: "Why am I the most attractive person?" You don't have to answer the question, just ask and let your brain process the information.
You might think that this will lead to even more negative thoughts, but this is not the case. When you formulate persuasive questions that bring good energy and have good intentions, negative thoughts don't stand a chance.
Suddenly, good thoughts about you will start flowing through your head and boost your self-esteem.
4. Focus on something else
When negative thoughts arise, focus on something else around you. Use your senses. For example: “What am I feeling right now? What am I eating now? What do I hear? What do I see?”
And if you want to change the situation, you can practice gratitude, which is a powerful tool against negative thoughts. "Thank you for a beautiful day, for a friend's hug, for a job well done, for another day in life..."
When there is a change in focus, there is no room for negative thoughts.
5. Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises help distract from negative thoughts. Take a deep breath, count to four. Now exhale and count from 4 to 0. Repeat four times. It is quite simple and effective.
Breathe slowly and focus on each inhalation and exhalation, make it aware.
Remember that you are much stronger than your negative thoughts!
