How do you stop thinking negatively?

Question

I've been trying so hard but i always seem to think negatively about myself and everything else without even knowing.

Answer 1

What you resist persists.  So, quit fighting with your mind.  Learn to become detached from your thoughts - just notice "OH, My Mind is Thinking" and let the thoughts flow by while you focus your attention on things that are really important to you.  You can't control your thoughts, you can only control your actions, so give up the struggle and just allow your mind to think as much as it likes without playing into every thought you notice......

Answer 2

having that same trouble too. Just try to think of all the great things about yourself when you feel that way. Or put your mind on something else

Answer 3

When you notice  something negative, such as: "I'm never going to get over this!" or: "Why am I always so pathetic/useless/such a loser?" or even: "I can't do this/will never get over this!", or a disturbing image, recognise that this is part of the mindset which will hold you back from progressing in your recovery.                                                                                                                                                                           Having identified and labelled it, I first visualise a large  "STOP!" sign, then I say to myself as forcefully as I can, even aloud in a big voice, if alone: "I know this tactic: GO AWAY FOR A WHILE !!!"

You may want to use either: "ruse", "ploy", "game", or "trick", instead of "tactic". In the case of an image, visualise a large "STOP" sign, or your preferred version.                                                                                                                                           Some people go so far as to keep a wide rubber band in their pocket, then put it around their wrist, when they catch themselves backsliding, stretch and release it, as a method of reprogramming their mind sooner, but I don't regard it as being strictly necessary. Remember to remove it, afterwards, if you use this method.  

Answer 4

It shows that you don't have good friends around you. You should cultivate friendship with at least some of those who really are understanding, intelligent and practical.

Answer 5

ah i know it's such a hard thing to overcome and i understand how difficult it is, i still struggle with it. one thing i've learnt is that you can't fight thought with thoughts.. ever had a whole conversation in your head and it affected you emotionally and the way you acted? i noticed  sometimes i get like that.. i believe that you do become your most dominant thought, so thinking about yourself and others negatively does affect the direction that you take. what helps me is to have positive quotes written on cards or paper, on walls or having it with me, and on a mobile phone (i'm one of those people who carry it around wherever i go). and whenever i get a negative thought, i say those positive quotes, sometimes quietly.. but what it did was it helped stop my thought on track and my mind focused on the words that i was saying. i had to repeat it a few times sometime. I also looked around to see what was influencing me to think negatively (books,people, music) because i also believe that what i surround myself influences the way i think.. i read and listen to positive things, and talk  to or listen to the positive things that people say.. it's a habit i'm trying to make.. the solution to your question though is dependent on you in the end.. you have to do what works for you.. and it’s a positive thing that you are seeking ways to stop the negative thinking.

Answer 6

It's a hard habit to break! I know exactly what you mean because I too spent a large part of my life beating myself up and thinking negatively about everything. Basically, you need to just stop! Next time your brain goes off on one of its negative rants tell yourself firmly to stop. Also, try getting completely absorbed in another task e.g. read a good book. Finally, allocate time every day to smile. It sounds stupid, but simply looking at yourself in the mirror with a big grin on your face for a couple of seconds each day does help. Best of luck! Remember....you can control your own thoughts!  

Answer 7

Thoughts are like logs floating down river, Just watch them float down.

Affirmations can help to replace them, but even of more benefit is connecting to your true self. We are all of One pure mind and all minds are connected.

Answer 8

  If a friend of mine was asked how he was, he always said. "Wonderful!" Now I do it and it works. Come on, just look at some of the knuckle draggers you see around you. You are better than them, aren't you? Unless, that is, you have callouses on your knuckles. You are as good as anyone in the world matey. (Except possibly me) Just look at some of the rubbish that become elected for example! Barefaced liars and cheats most of them. Negativity is like a spiral that goes remorselessly down. When you feel miserable think of your favourite joke, think how lucky you are to be alive! Think positive before you become fixed in self pity.That is what happens to a lot of old coots, that is why they are so miserable.

Answer 9

Set yourself targets of what you really want to be. Then everyday, tell yourself you will want to acheive something new and everytime you think of something negative, just say no, no, no and quickly think of it the opposite way. And work hard to acheive your daily targets.

Answer 10

Well, the biggest step is realizing you are doing it!  Every time you realize that you are doing so, tell yourself, "STOP!" and interrupt your thought and behavior process.

Some smokers have been able to stop their habit by wearing a rubber band around their wrist and snapping it against their wrist each time they crave a cigarette...it can work if you really give it a try!

Answer 11

You can train your mind to think positive,however it is a lot of work. I am currantly on this journey,read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill also Kelly Howell has several CD's you can listen to that will help you reprogram your mind. Our minds are like computers and from the time were born we recieve all this info from our parents, teachers,ect.And alot of the time it isn't true it's just what they believe or were taught. You need to change your self image (self-confidence). I have been studing this for about a year now and have seen great improvements in myself,however I still have a long way to go. Ther are many wonderful books to help you,The Secret by Rhonda Bryns this books tells you it can be done however does'nt show you how to apply. There is a wonderful book by Dr.Tag Powell I believe it's called Think Wealth Put Your Money Where Your Mind Is,and The Science Of Getting Rich by Walter Waddles,I hope this is helpful.