whats the best method to break bad thought life?

Question

I have been plagued by negative thinking for years,how can i finally beat this problem of self doubt and fulfill my potential

Answer 1

You've gotten some very thoughtful and helpful answers here.

I'd just like to add one thing that may sound kind of... well... nutty.

I wore a rubber band around my wrist. Everytime I caught myself thinking negatively (a lot!!) I'd snap it. Not enough to hurt or anything-- just a little bit. It served as a tactile way for me say a quick prayer to a higher power to "help me out, please." And that worked over a period of time.

It made me start paying attention to my thought patterns in a tactile way. And... it's only when you really notice can you begin to do anything about it.

Good luck! You'll make it!!!

Answer 2

Shut yourself away from all distractions. Take a paper, write down your strengths, weaknesses,the oppurtunities you got in life and the threates you face now( like this negative thoughts)Go on adding points to each category and do this for a month.
Imagine yourself as a young child, think of the joys you had, the liberties you had,the love you got from your parents, your kintergarden classmates, the elders and the youngers! Think of your achievements, however small it be in your lower classes, in running 100 meters for the first time etc. Now you will feel a tingling joy about yourself. Start from as early as possible and reach the present state. You will find that the creator have bestowed you with more positive things than negatives. If the creator has done that, why not you also think of doing some good and reap the benefits. Count the failures you had and how you forgot about it and did the same repeatedly to make it positive>>> All these should gradually make you have a positive outlook in life....All the best!! If you have the will you have the way!!!

Answer 3

I know this will sound easy, but just think of happy times and what you want from life. Write a list of your future. Start by writing it all down, then make a list for each year. Complete one at a time and tick it off as you go along. I know allot of people that make these life plans and some very rich people, they even do it. It will work if you stick with it. I'm doing one and so far so good

Answer 4

Force yourself to see the positive side, at least recognise and abandon which of your thoughts are irrational thoughts! If you can't do this, asking for occasional reassurance from others (be it friends or people you don't know too well) can work wonders. Also, finding something you enjoy, are good at and can really take pride in can give you a much needed boost, especially when you are able to talk about your achievements - it makes others proud, and it makes you proud.

Answer 5

if you might have clinical depression, consult your doctor first to see if you need medication

cognitive behavioural therapy is really good, its very simple, they don't ask you to go back to when your negative thoughts started, psycho mumbo jumbo etc etc, they just help you look positively at your life, considering worst case scenarios and how to cope with them etc. if there is an underlying problem they can also help you deal with that.

Exercise is meant to make you feel really positive, apparently its 3 times more effective than anti-depressants

or dare yourself to do something you're scared of every day

or write a list of all the nice things your friends, family etc have ever said about you, try and see yourself the way other people do

Answer 6

We go through life being told what we're not good at. Well intentioned parents, teachers and employers try to address our weaknesses without focusing on our strengths. This can lead to the situation you find yourself in today. Forget your weaknesses; the best you can hope for is to be average. Instead, focus on your natural talents and work to turn them into strengths. Even parts of your personality that today you may dismiss as quirky or irrelevant may be real talents that you can turn to your advantage.

Answer 7

Hypnosis worked for me. I downloaded a hypnosis MP3 and listened to it before going to bed for several weeks. I am sure you read everything like I did on thinking positively, etc. They MP3 which you can download straight into your computer run around $20, but the there are more expensive ones, so shop around. You can order the CD off their websites if you don't mind waiting for the mailman. Best of luck

Answer 8

go and find the source for your self doubt,it be parents partners etc