By practising meditation, you can observe your thoughts without identifying with them. You are not your thoughts; observe them without judgement. Watch them come and go without clinging to them. Watch long enough and you’ll see that your negative thoughts have no power over you.
Negative thinking often begins with the unrealistic expectations that the path should be clear for whatever you’re trying to accomplish. When things go wrong, this doesn’t need to reaffirm the idea that you’re no good at anything. Instead of dreading failure, look forward to it as an opportunity to learn.
Some life changes will be completely beyond your control, such as a friend moving away. Even when you do have some amount of control, you still cannot control that the change will happen. However, you always have the ability to control how you respond to the change.
Once you’ve determined precisely what change is happening in your life, you can develop coping strategies that are best suited to deal with the circumstances.
Talking to someone about how you’re feeling can help you sort through your feelings, put things in perspective, and release tension. The person you speak with might also suggest options that you had not thought about before.
Everyone goes through tough times, and no matter how long you’ve had something on your mind – whether for just a few hours or months – it’s important that you talk to someone about it. You don’t have to confront your setbacks alone.
Insecurities, physical and mental health, and external forces such as cash flow can threaten your ability to focus and become the best version of yourself.
Name specific ways that you can work to grow. Do you have access to professional help? Can you take courses or get training to make your strengths stand out and overcome your weaknesses?
Take each challenge as a signal that you are working toward something worthwhile. Use setbacks as a chance to hone your skills rather than seeing them as a sign that you are no good. Decide to do this ahead of time – don’t waver no matter how you’re feeling.
Negative thinking allows us the “luxury” of not expecting too much from ourselves and others. If we always expect to be let down by others, we spare ourselves the pain of being let down. But, it keeps you from the joy that comes with personal growth.