If you just don't know how to stop negative thinking then it's important to know that it is possible, but it takes time. Even if you truly believe the negative thoughts that enter your mind, start by recognising when they come and you'll be well on the way to thinking more positively.
Why Am I So Negative?
Asking yourself about why you have these thoughts is the first step - usually it comes from something deep in ourselves, and we've somehow trained ourselves that our negative thoughts are really true. If you want to stop negative thinking then you don't need to feel guilty about this, but recognising this is the first step.
Types of Negative Thinking
Most negative thoughts will fall into one of these categories, and learning what they are can help you to recognize every negative thought that enters your mind.
Filtering: This means that you filter out the positive aspects of a situation and only remember the negative points.
Polarizing: This is when everything is black or white, meaning it's good or bad and there's nothing in between.
Personalizing: This means you blame yourself for things that really aren't true and aren't in your control.
Catastrophizing: You always expect the worse and even avoid doing things because you think bad things will happen.
Recognizing the Negativity Around You
The main reason why it's so difficult to stop negative thinking is that it's all around you. Chances are that other people, as well as the media, have started to create these thoughts within you, which you have then seen as normal. It's become like a habit, but recognizing the signs puts you on the first step to becoming more positive. So if you really don't think that change is possible - think again! As you can see, there is a logical flow behind your thoughts, and it just takes some work to break that flow.
Katherine Caren is a writer who has struggled with negative thinking, stress and health problems for much of her life. She recently decided that happiness really is a choice, and is sharing her journey on how to think positive, using positive self talk and other methods.
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