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How to Turn Negative Thoughts Into Positive Actions

by John May  - July 29, 2023

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions? Are your worries, anxieties, and doubts causing you to become stuck in a loop of negativity? Are you searching for healthy ways to move from negative thinking to positive thinking? Can you find a way to reset your mindset for positive change?

You’re not alone! Many of us experience these same feelings, but the good news is that there are ways to break free from this cycle. In this post, we’ll discuss how to transform negative thoughts into more positive thoughts and actions. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to breaking the habit of letting negative thoughts and feelings take over.

Manage Negative Thinking

Are Negative Thoughts Impacting Every Area of Your Life?

When negative thoughts repeat and remain in place it directly impacts causing low self esteem and we can’t seem to stop negative self talk. Sometimes the days are rough. When things start to spiral, you start thinking they’re lifesuckers. Negative feelings can keep you from getting a job or promotion.

It’s easy to become the worst person in a world that makes bad and unhealthy choices. They may change perceptions about events and even cause psychological damage feeding anxiety. If I am feeling bad, the less I can take any actions.

How Negative Thoughts Can Impact Your Entire Life

Negative thoughts can be more than just a passing mood. Some days can be challenging, and when negativity starts to spiral, it can feel like you’re being consumed. These adverse feelings can interfere with your career, blocking opportunities for advancement.

It’s easy to fall into a pattern of making poor, unhealthy decisions when you view yourself negatively. These thoughts can distort your perceptions, oftend don’t reflect reality leading to psychological distress and heightened anxiety. They often even lead to low coping skills, blood pressure issues, it can stunt personal growth and lowers mental wellness.

When you’re enveloped in negativity, taking positive, proactive steps can feel nearly impossible. It’s crucial to remember that this is just a perspective, not a reality.

How to recognise habitual negative thinking patterns?

Recognizing negative thought patterns is a crucial step towards cultivating a positive mindset and boosting performance.

Negative thoughts are often characterized by a tendency to catastrophize, or to assume the worst possible outcome in any given situation. They may also manifest as overgeneralization, where one negative event is perceived as a never-ending pattern of defeat.

Other indicators include jumping to conclusions, ignoring positives and magnifying negatives, and emotional reasoning, where you believe what you feel must be true regardless of the actual evidence. By being vigilant and understanding these patterns of negative thinking, you can begin the process of resetting your mindset.

“I’ll never be able to do this.” – This statement is an example of overgeneralization, where a person assumes that a single negative event or outcome will be a never-ending pattern of defeat. It’s negative because it sets a self-imposed limit, hindering potential progress and growth.

“I’m a failure.” – This statement is a form of labeling, a negative thinking pattern in which an individual identifies themselves with their perceived failures. It’s negative thinking because it defines the person’s worth by their mistakes or failures, ignoring all positive aspects and accomplishments.

“It’s always my fault.” – This statement exemplifies negative thinking through self-blame. In this instance, the person attributes all failures or negative outcomes to themselves, regardless of the actual circumstances. It’s negative because it amplifies feelings of guilt and diminishes self-esteem.

“If I can’t do it perfectly, then I won’t do it at all.” – This statement is an example of all-or-nothing thinking, where the person thinks in absolute terms like ‘always’, ‘never’, or ‘every’. It’s negative because it disregards the possibility of growth, improvement, or partial success.

What Triggers your Negative Thinking?

Triggers for negative thought often come from external sources, but they can also originate within ourselves. One common trigger is experiencing a stressful or traumatic event, which can lead to feelings of helplessness and a negative outlook on life. Sometimes, poor self-esteem can be a trigger, causing individuals to dwell on their shortcomings rather than their strengths. The constant bombardment of negative news from the media can also lead to a pessimistic mindset. Finally, certain mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety, can result in a cycle of negative thoughts. It’s crucial to identify these triggers in order to interrupt this cycle and reset your mindset.

How can I Quiet the Negative Inner Voice?

When we perceive a potential threat, our body releases stress hormones, which can lead to stress. Adrenaline plays a crucial role in our stress management and mitigating the effects, while cortisol, although potentially harmful to us, only becomes detrimental if it exceeds safe levels or affects our brain. It’s important to note that this doesn’t justify indulging in excessive consumption of biscuits. Moreover, the power of voice serves as a remarkable motivator in helping individuals achieve their desired goals. Sometimes, it can offer something as simple yet profound as: “You can do this!”

To silence the negative inner voice, first identify what triggers it. Then, start to challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions like: Is there evidence for that? Could I be wrong about this? Is there a more positive way of looking at things? Finally, practice self-care and try to focus on the present moment. Remind yourself that there is no need to rush and that most things take time.

Negative thinking doesn’t have to overwhelm you. With a little self-reflection and the right strategies, you can overcome it and find your voice again. Acknowledge that negative thoughts are normal, but don’t let them dominate your mindset or stop you from achieving your goals!

Positive Thinking Leading to Positive Changes

Ok, what about positive thinking then?

Positive thinking is the practice of approaching situations with an optimistic outlook, focusing on the good rather than dwelling on the negative. It isn’t about ignoring problems or challenges, but rather viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Positive thinkers tend to exude confidence, resilience, and a can-do attitude, even in the face of setbacks or difficulties. They embrace positive statements like, “I can handle this,” “I’ll give it my best shot,” or “Every experience is a lesson.”

This mindset goes beyond mere words. It is a deeply ingrained attitude that influences their behaviors and actions, ultimately driving them towards success and fulfillment. By recognizing and fostering this form of thinking, you can reset your mindset to one of self compassion, positivity and high performance.

    1. Norman Vincent Peale – Known for his pioneering work in popularizing the concept of positive thinking, Peale’s book The Power of Positive Thinking has been a source of inspiration and practical advice for millions around the world.

    2. Louise Hay – A motivational author who has written several books on self-help and positive thinking, Hay’s most significant work is You Can Heal Your Life, which emphasizes the power of thoughts in healing and well-being.

    3. Earl Nightingale – Often referred to as the “Dean of Personal Development”, Nightingale’s spoken word record The Strangest Secret is a classic resource on positive thinking and achieving success.

    4. Tony Robbins – A renowned life coach and self-help author, Robbins’ book Awaken the Giant Within focuses on strategies for mastering your emotions, body, relationships, finances and life.

    5. Zig Ziglar – An American author and motivational speaker, Ziglar’s book See You at the Top remains an authentic, meaningful guide to goal-setting, self-image, and the importance of a healthy outlook on life.

    6. Dr. Wayne Dyer – Known as the “father of motivation,” Dr. Dyer’s book Your Erroneous Zones is a comprehensive guide to breaking free from self-defeating thinking patterns and replacing them with positive, constructive thoughts.

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Remember, as you explore these works, positive thinking isn’t just about feeling good or avoiding negativity. It’s about creating a vision of what you truly desire in life, believing it’s achievable, and going after it with determination and resilience.

Reset Your Mindset

Can you show me how to change your mindset from negative to positive thinking?

The first step is to become aware of your thinking and feelings and how that is manifesting in your behaviours.

Steps to Shift from Negative to Positive Thinking

Start with the steps below to move from a ‘glass half empty’ person who dwells on negative aspects and overdoses on self judgment. To the ‘glass half full’ person who is focused on positive affirmations, possibility and self-growth.

    1. Identify Negative Thoughts: Recognize patterns of negativity and make a conscious effort to catch yourself when you think in terms of “never,” “always,” or “every,” and when you find yourself assuming the worst-case scenario or labeling yourself based on a single event. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations related to your goals. Positive self-talk can help you focus on success and break through roadblocks.

    2. Become aware of your inner dialogue: Maintain a periodic awareness of your self talk and ask ‘am I having a negative or positive thought’?. Notice when you indulge in negative thinking or ruminating about past events. Write down what comes to mind and identify any triggers, such as stressors or body sensations related to those thoughts. Perhaps in your journal acknowledge negative thoughts that may be linked to certain events of limiting beliefs.

    3. Challenge Your Thoughts: Don’t accept your negative thoughts at face value. Instead, challenge them. Ask yourself if the thought is based on evidence or if it’s just a manifestation of your fears or insecurities. Or maybe, what would happen if I replaced the negative self talk with positive self talk and designated it as an immediate opportunity for personal growth?

    4. Replace Negativity with Positivity: Make a deliberate effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “I will do the best I can.” Find opportunity to give and indeed receive positive praise.

    5. Practise mental filtering: To change negativity as it presents to positive messages through hanging with supportive people and identify areas where a ‘reframe’ to a more positive outlook can be acieved.

    6. Take a Reset Break: When negativity overwhelms you, take a break to reset your mindset. This could be a short walk, a few minutes of deep breathing, or even a day off to detox from negativity and stress. This break can give you the mental space to let go off any negative thoughts and adopt a more positive approach.

    7. Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge what you’re grateful for. By appreciating the positives in your life, you’re less likely to dwell on the negatives. It is proven that gratitude can help reduce stress and improve self-esteem, even when the situation is extremely challenging. Make an effort to give thanks at least twice a month. It could mean thanks to your colleague who helped on a project, a loved one who cleaned the dishes, or to your dog for your unconditional love.

    8. Visualize Success: Imagine yourself achieving your goals and overcoming obstacles. Visualization can help you build confidence and maintain a positive mindset.

    9. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and encourage you. Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch videos that inspire positivity.

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Remember, shifting from negative to positive thinking is a process, not a one-time event. It takes practice and patience, but the payoff—a healthier, happier mindset—is worth it.

The Habits of Positive People

Make a Habit to practice positive self talk

Resetting can be a powerful way to gain insight into your mindset and performance while also de-stressing and detoxing. Taking the time to reset and reflect on your goals and challenges can help you achieve the results you desire. Everyone needs a break from life every now and then – when will you next reset?

You can create your own library list of positive affirmation that resonate with you and help you work on more self acceptance.

This can lead to a lifelong habit that over time changes your being into a positive person who can regularly overcome negative thoughts as they arise.

Practicing positive thinking every day

If your outlook is negative, be afraid to be optimistic immediately. But practice can eventually give you less self-criticism but more self compassion and confidence. In some cases, it is possible for more positive people to not be so critical of others. In general, focusing on positive thoughts helps manage stress more productively. This ability may help promote positive thinking.

Practice Positive Self-Talk Out Loud

Give yourself a name instead of me. Create a mental distance between yourself and others may help reduce stress, improve the clarity of our thoughts, give a target for our positive affirmations or improve our thinking skills as a human being.

Simple Steps to more Positive Thinking

Simply the following to start having a positive impact on how you feel life. If you take all the positive steps you will be pleasantly surprised and rewarded for taking such a path!

    1. Self-Acceptance: Acknowledge all your traits, both good and bad. Accepting your self is the first step to positive thinking. It’s okay not to be perfect. Embrace your imperfections and treat them as unique characteristics that make you who you are.

    2. Positive Affirmations: Start your day with positive affirmations. Speak them out loud, write them down, or meditate on them. Phrases like “I am capable,” “I am strong,” or “I can handle anything that comes my way” can help build a positive mindset.

    3. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your mindset. Surround yourself with positive and uplifting individuals. Their positivity will inevitably rub off on you.

    4. Practice Gratitude: Make it a habit to write down things that you’re grateful for every day, however big or small they may be. This can help shift your focus from negative aspects to the positive things in life.

    5. Mindful Meditation: Practice mindfulness meditation. This helps keep your mind focused on the present moment and reduces negative thought patterns.

    6. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care. Whether it’s physical exercise, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, or engaging in a hobby you love – taking care of your physical health can significantly impact your mental well-being.

    7. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals and work towards them. The sense of accomplishment when you achieve your goals reinforces positive thinking.

    8. Practice Kindness: Be kind to others. The act of giving promotes positive feelings and helps build a positive outlook towards life.

    9. Embrace Failures: Understand that it’s okay to fail. Failure is just another step towards success. It helps you learn, grow and strengthens your character.

    10. Stay Patient: Remember, switching from a negative mindset to a positive one takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.

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In conclusion, adopting a positive mindset is no less than undertaking a transformative journey. It doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step you take brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself. You’re equipping yourself with the tools needed to navigate life’s ups and downs, turning challenges into opportunities, and living a more fulfilling and happier life.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. The 100 Club is here to support you, offering numerous ways to help you achieve positive results through a Mindset Reset. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information, personalized strategies, and guidance.

Let’s embark on this incredible journey together, because why settle for less when you can be at your best? Remember, positivity breeds success, and it all starts with your mindset. So why wait? Contact the 100 Club today, and let’s begin this journey towards positivity and success together!

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About the author: John May MyPledge
I am a 100 Club Foundation Member and excited to be here.

John May

I am a 100 Club Foundation Member and excited to be here.

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