How to Overcome Negative Thinking

Learning how to overcome negative thinking can be done by identifying stressors and using effective tools to find joy in everyday things.

The fact is that you can't change bad habits, such as negative thinking, overnight. It's a process; an intentional one.

That's why I want to give you tips for how to turn those negative thoughts into positive ones; making you a positive thinker once and for all!

Breaking bad habits and replacing them with healthy habits can be a lot easier said then done. It is very hard to change thoughts, especially those that have been in effect for many years.

Most of us have good ideas, but fail to look at the main source that is responsible for making change possible, which is the mind.

It all starts with altering the thought process and being able to change thoughts from negative to positive. Until we understand this, our good intentions will fall short and we will fail at accomplishing our goals.

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To begin learning how to overcome negative thinking, we must identify why the problem exists.

Negative thinking takes place for a number of reasons. Thankfully, these bad habits can be replaced with more productive healthy habits.

Why Negative Thinking Takes Place

There are several causes of negative thinking, including:

• Personality traits
• Past experience
• Fear of taking action
• Afraid of change
• Fear of happiness
• Low self-esteem

Some people are born with certain temperaments or personality traits that contribute to them being more negative in nature.

It is a combination of these personality traits with life experiences that contributes to certain individuals being negative thinkers. That's why some individuals with difficult life experiences still maintain a positive attitude.

This is what makes some of us optimistic peoples versus pessimistic naturally.

Is the Ability to Change Thoughts Possible?

Change is possible through a gradual process and cannot be an instantaneous occurrence. Basically, don't expect instant gratification with little work on yourself.

For the most part, someone who is born with a pessimistic personality or shy demeanor cannot all of a sudden become the life of the party or have an optimistic personality.

If someone wants to change something about their personality it is possible, but the change will be subtle and gradual.

It will also take a lot of work!

Change can occur only when the person is serious about improving and has accepted that it will be a long process with many obstacles along the way.

Detrimental past behavior and unhealthy habits can be overcome by coming face-to-face with these obstacles. Then, working hard to achieve their goal of turning negative thoughts into positive thoughts.

Now that we've established what could cause negative thinking, let's get to why people intentionally think negative thoughts.

Are there benefits to negative thinking?

To fully understand why negative thinking exists and how it can be changed, we need to look at what the pay offs are.

What is the negative thinker getting from these thoughts?

You are probably wondering, “Why on earth would someone want to be negative?” And the answer is simple:

Security.

If someone always expects the worst, they know that they cannot be disappointed. In a sense, they have already created the unhappiness within themselves, so nobody could possible hurt them.

This type of mindset keeps them safe. It's a wall.

While they may feel this is true, it is actually the opposite of what really happens.

In fact, negative thinkers tend to miss out on great things due to their false sense of security.

Because being vulnerable isn't being safe.

Part of living life is taking risks, no matter what the outcome is. Using these tools, you can learn how to overcome negative thinking for good!

Benefits of positive thinking

Why should be work so hard to think positive? How does positive thinking affect our lives?

• Better relationships
• More opportunities
• Pleasant interactions
• Longer lifespan
• Overall happiness
• Less stress
• Manifest great things
• Attract positive people

Now that you know how great optimism is, let's get to how you can overcome negative thinking:

How to overcome negative thinking

There are several methods that can be used to teach our minds to produce positive thoughts:

1. Self-Affirmations

What better way is there to start off the day then to remind yourself that today will be a good day. Studies have shown that people who do this exercise tend to be more positive overall.

RELATED: 45 Positive Affirmations For Women – with free printable

2. Positive Self-Talk

Everyone has an internal dialogue similar to the conscience that confirms whether one feels good or bad, or if one is excited or bored. Tell the self good things and the mood instantly lifts.

3. Exercise

Exercising releases endorphins which triggers a positive feelings. Also, Physical activity promotes better blood circulation and gets rid of toxins within the body.

It’s incredible what just a little exercise can do for the body and the mind.

4. Believe in Yourself

Many people tend to have self-doubt about accomplishing their goals. While this may be a normal feeling from time to time, focusing on what can be done and believing in yourself is key to being successful at any goals in life.

5. Healthy Eating Plans

Numerous studies have shown that how people feel can also be correlated to what they are eating. Cut back on high processed foods with unhealthy amounts of sugar, caffeine, and fat.

In order to be successful at changing thoughts from negative to positive, we need to be mindful of what we are putting in our minds and bodies.

First and foremost, you must work on positive self-talk. Then, you can work on self-affirmations, physical exercise, being confident in yourself, and eating better.

Incorporating all of these techniques can provide a multitude of benefits for the individual as a whole.