Help -- always thinking negative thoughts?

Question

I find that I can really fall into negative thinking. How can I change that? I'm tired of being a 'debbie downer'...

Answer 1

To Debbie Downer--Your thoughts are a part of you. Because you see things from a negative perspective first doesn't mean it is the only perspective. You should stop and see how your thoughts or response will be received by others. By asking this question, you seem to have a good awareness of this. You should stop after your first thought and look to see if you can't find the silver lining. Keep trying to be positive. Eventually this will become natural. You'll be the cheerleader, and not the devil's advocate. Keep trying. You'll surprise yourself! Everyone needs hope. Give yourself a break and dream for the good things in life. God has placed us on Earth to become the best we can be. Don't give up!

Answer 2

It is my belief that negative thoughts as well as negative attitude stem from a poor self-image. Maybe you don't look as good as you think you 'should' or you haven't accomplished all that you think you 'should' or maybe you aren't in a job that is 'good enough as it should be.' You know you need to change one of these, but it just seems too hard. The trick is not that you need an immediate change to feel better, but instead you just need to be working towards a goal. If you feel you aren't 'pretty enough' you can't simply lose the weight you need, but you can work out everyday and you'll find that you feel better about yourself not because you immediately look better, but because you are doing something about it and you can see a light at the end of the tunnel. The more you analyze this world the more dark it will seem. Hope is the only answer to happiness, and hope only comes when we work towards an end goal day in and day out.

Answer 3

You know what? My best friend is exactly the same way. One day I knew I just had to do something about it. This will probably sound really strange, but it worked pretty well, believe it or not.
For a present to her, I took some cardboard and wrapped aluminum foil around it, added a border, decorated it with "feel good" sayings and optimistic thoughts, and I also added tear-off daily goals such as "Today I will be: Postive" and "Today I feel: Beautiful" and "Today I will not: Quit" and "Today I will not say I am ugly" and so on. Then I gave her the package and said "put this somewhere you'll be able to see it because this is your new 'mirror' " I suggest you personally do something creative like that for yourself, put it in a place you will see it often, and it will remind you to have a more positive attitude. Good Luck

Answer 4

I used to be that way as well. Here are some things that I do:

- First, surround yourself with positive thinkers. If you are around people who think negatively, most likely you will, too.
- If it is serious, you may talk to your doctor about antidepressant/anxiety medication. It helps block out all the "crap" that can bring you down.
- Then just work on turning negative thoughts into positive ones. If you find yourself thinking something like: "It is going to be an awful day, I just know it!" Turn it around and think, "I am going to have a good day no matter what!" It is something that takes practice, but stick with it!

Answer 5

Honestly, it's really good that you know this about yourself, admitt it and look to change it. Most people would not have the courage or insight to do this. As far as changing your thinking, it's a bad habit and one that needs to be broken, just like smoking or anything similar. It's not easy because your brain is used to reacting and thinking in a certain way. So patience and determination are important as you begin improving your "self talk." For every negative thought that you have, replace it with two positive thoughts... even if you don't believe it at the time.

Answer 6

That's the real trick in life, to try to get a handle over our thoughts. They can really have an affect on our life, but it's up to us to learn to not react to them. It's not easy, but the more you practice, the easier it gets. Basically, you need to create a new "idea" in your head whenever a negative idea starts up. One time, there was a situation that really bothered me endlessly. I finally programmed myself into being aware when the negative idea came up, I then told myself that each time this happened, I would instantly relax, slow my breathing, feel calm and soothed. It works, because the brain now responds to the negative thought with a positive reaction.

Answer 7

I think everyone falls into "negative" thinking at one time or another. It's part of our normal "ups & downs". If this becomes frequent or persistent or affects your quality of life, you should consider seeking professional guidance, since it could be a form of depression. I've had a few bouts with it myself. There is hope. Good luck & God bless.

Answer 8

Quit being afraid to fail. The more times you fail, the more likely you are to succeed. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs failed too many times to count and they ended up two of the richest people in History. The truth about failure is that failure isn't being turned down, true failure is not showing up. So go in there and say "I might fail, but i'll learn form it".. You have nothing to lose! GL and Fail until you Succeed !

Answer 9

I learned this piece of advice from my Karate Sensei, he says, "would you say something negative like that to your children? Of course you wouldn't, so why would you say that to your ownself?" I always remember that whenever a negative thought creeps into my head.

Answer 10

Your nickname is "berry sexy girl"....negative thought? I think not.
Youv'e given no examples of what a "negative thoght is"....being critical isn't always negative...humans are animals and have the basic thought "What wrong here?"....humans defend themselves just as anything else that exists.