Are You Burdened With Negative Thoughts?

Every now and then, you can’t avoid negative attitudes from surfacing. Everyone goes through the same experience. However, you may have to act on the situation when the volume and frequency of negativity begin to rise in alarming levels.

Negative attitudes can do so much damage to your life. They can trap you and keep you from progressing. You need to counter them with positivity.

The Impact of a Negative Attitude

Your way of thinking greatly influences your actions. So, when you allow a negative attitude to dominate your behavior, you are really just sabotaging your own success.

A negative attitude also affects the people around you. When you complain incessantly, you repel others. Generally people like spending time with people who make them feel good.

The Manifestations of a Positive Attitude

While negativity dampens the spirit and kills hope, positivity does the exact opposite. In fact, a positive attitude can open up opportunities for you. You can also let the positive energy rub off on the people around you.

Contrary to popular belief, attitudes are not always fixed. But you can shape them.

Here are some tips for shaping your attitude and thinking positively:

1. Visualize. Train your mind to conjure pleasant and peaceful images instead of tragedies and worst-case scenarios. Imagine yourself succeeding in your plans. Savor the victory in your mind.

1. Write. Let out your frustrations. Keep a journal of the things you accomplished. This activity can put your life and thoughts back to order.

1. Decompress. Stressful situations magnify a lot of negative emotions. Find time to relax and restore positivity into your life. Visit your church; take yoga lessons; soak in the tub.

1. Affirm something. Read up on or invent your own set of positive affirmations. Worded in the present tense, positive affirmations empower you to pursue your dreams and remind you of your capabilities. An example is “I am strong enough to face my fears.”

1. Live. Don’t be content yourself with mere existence. Savor each day, even if there is nothing different about it than yesterday. It still is another day of life.

Each night The News Hour with Jim Lehrer shows the servicemen who lost their life. When I watch that I am reminded that another day of life really is a gift and not a given. As you attempt to shape your attitude and introduce positivity into your life, remember not to pressure yourself too much. Pretty soon, you will develop a positive attitude without thinking too hard. That is, we want this to be a reflex that instinctively happens.