Negative thoughts are one of the most common things that we have to deal with in our lives. In fact, whenever we consider doing something out of the box, we mostly begin by considering it from a negative point of view. In fact, this way of prioritizing negative thoughts mostly hinders our progress.
However, there is yet another concern. Not only do we tend to think negatively, but also we consider negativity from a negative angle. In fact, the internet is flooded with videos and articles about the negative impacts of negativity in our lives. This is really strange. We rarely find one or two places where meaningful ways of overcoming negativity are discussed properly.
Therefore, this article will try to put together a few ways in which we can reframe our negative thoughts, thereby neutralising their damage. Read the complete article to know about the ways in greater detail.
Ways To Deal with Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts are of various kinds. Therefore, in order to deal with them, we need to know the exact type that we are dealing with. This is really the essential first step. In this scope of a few lines, it is not possible to talk about all kinds of negative thoughts.
However, this article will deal with four basic varieties that we all might have experienced at some point of our lives. This article will inform you about the ways in which you can neutralise these not-so-positive thoughts and turn them to your benefit.
1. Negative Self Analysis
This is a common type of negativity of thought that we have had at some point of our lives. In various instances, we tend to think negatively about ourselves and thereby build a negative self-image for ourselves. At times, in a mood of self-analysis, we tend to think about some traits in us that we ourselves do not like. Moreover, frequently we blame those traits within us for our failures.
Such types of negative thoughts thereby make us upset and result in a ‘fixed mindset’ . According to Carol Dweck, a ‘fixed mindset’ signifies that a person believes in his fixed ability. This really becomes a hindrance as with such a mindset we tend to believe that we have certain unchangeable limitations.
Therefore, in order to prevent this ‘fixed mindset’, we need to accept our limitations. But without thinking much about them, we need to focus on the opportunities for improvement. Certain researchers suggest that we need to adopt a ‘growth mindset’.
2. Negative Thoughts About Actions and Habits
We at times negatively think about some of our habits or actions. We generally think of stopping those habits and actions. However the best way to deal with this kind of negativity, is to confront your dislikes. This means that we need to focus on those habits that we consider negative in us. In fact, there is every chance that we may end up loving those actions or habits.
3. Negative Thoughts Related To Anxiety
It is a common type of negative thought that we experience when we go through anxiety. In fact, when we are anxious, we tend to think repeatedly about the object of our anxiety. This is called ‘rumination’. These ruminations are most likely to make our anxiety worse, as we focus on negative thoughts repeatedly.
Therefore, in such situations we need to break the chain of rumination. In order to do that we may consider taking a brief walk or might do light exercise. These types of physical activities will help in keeping the negative thoughts at bay.After that we have to focus on something positive, in order to keep the rumination from getting back. We may create a list of positive things and look at it whenever any negativity comes to our mind. This will help us to focus more on positive things.
4. Negative Thoughts Regarding A Project
This is yet another form of negative thoughts that we all must have encountered. We often have negative thoughts about the projects on which we work. Scientific research shows that our motivation depends on our belief about whether we can accomplish a task or project.
In such cases, we need to focus on the project at hand and break the ultimate goal into a set of smaller targets. As we slowly proceed by completing these smaller targets, we will get motivated and can finally accomplish the greater project.
Concluding Lines
These are in brief the four types of negative thoughts that we generally encounter in our lives. Following the given methods might help you overcome them.
Also Read: Low Levels of Productivity or How to be in Focus?
