A Simple Guide To Deal With Negative Thinking

You can see negative thinking daily expressed in many ways: worry, manifesting problems, paying attention to what doesn't work, a mentality of lack, not seeing opportunities, complaining, and victim thinking, among others.

When we think negatively we recreate what we do NOT want.

Where does negative thinking come from?

Negative thoughts are mostly produced by our inner beliefs.

Some of these beliefs have been acquired overtime, while we may have picked others from our parents inadvertently (specially in regards to money, for instance).

Negative thinking shows as well when we worry. Richard Templar, author of "The rules of life", states that "It's OK to worry, or to know how not to" (find here some useful advice for dealing with worries).

The reality

The reality is that events, circumstances, people, everything, has a positive and a negative side. It just depends on which side you choose to look at.

The way you choose to look at life is the way that life will actually manifest for you. Find out more about this truth in having a positive attitude outlook.

How to deal with negative thoughts?

You will not eliminate negative thoughts by fighting against them. Rather, the best way to deal with them is to replace them for positive thoughts, as clearly explained in these steps of positive thinking.

You can also decide to explore where a certain belief which makes you think negative comes from. When you understand where your belief is created, you have the power to change it.

The Dalai Lama gives interesting advice on how to deal with anxiety and worry in "The art of happiness". Find out more by following the link.

You choose

Be always aware that you can choose how to look at reality. Bear in mind that there is always more than one point of view to anything.

If you are stuck in negative thoughts so much that you don't seem to be able to replace them for positive ones, ask yourself: "What could other points of view be to this?"

You could also follow Byron Katie's great advice from 'The Work', by asking to the negative thought you have: "Is it true?", and then "Can I absolutely know it's true?"

Perhaps you decide to start using positive thinking consistently when you are aware of the effects of thinking negative.

A poem on negative thoughts

Susan Minarik, author of "Winning the tomorrow game", has kindly allowed me to publish this poem she wrote about negative thoughts:

Silly, old negative thought!
Here you come again, dressed in jester clothes to play with me!
Silly, old negative thought!
Look how tiny you are!
And what an odd song you sing! "Can't... don't... can't...
never."
As if you have any idea who I am.
Don't you know I'm done with limitations?
Don't you see me reaching for the sky?

Find out more about Susan Minarik's great work on her own web site.

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