A friend and I were recently having a discussion about how fear is contagious in regard to the media coverage of the economy and how some people tend to be Negative Nellys. We recognized that when you’re subjected to repeated negativity, it’s bound to have an affect on your thoughts and actions.
But it doesn’t have to be that way!
How can you combat it? One way is to stop watching television or reading the newspaper. Another way is to not surround yourself with pessimistic people. Sure, these steps will help but they aren’t really a viable solution to the problem.
A better way is to control our reaction to these outside influences. Each and every one of us has the ability to control how we think and how we feel. If you don’t want to be dragged down by negativity, then all you have to do is think positively.
Now, I know that term is used a lot and some people may not even know exactly just how deep the meaning goes. Allow me to enlighten you just a little bit to help you see how managing the way you process your thoughts can improve your general outlook.
- THOUGHTS AND MOODS GO HAND IN HAND. Think about it. When you’re in a bad or depressed mood your thoughts tend to be angry or dejected. The same goes for when you’re in a great mood; you’ll have cheerful thoughts. The thought and the mood are feeding off of each other. Right? I don’t think you can dispute that.
- REPLACE THE NEGATIVE WITH THE POSITIVE. When a discouraging thought enters your mind, acknowledge it but then replace it with a hopeful one. For example, if you think “I’m running out of time and won’t get this project finished by the deadline!” change it to “I am doing my very best to complete this project on time.” Instead of thinking “I feel so unproductive today” concentrate on “I will make the rest of today a productive one.”
- FOCUS ON ENCOURAGING THOUGHTS. Learn to visualize all situations and their outcomes in a favorable light. Use positive words when thinking or talking to others. Smile often and take notice of life’s little miracles that surround you.
By practicing these methods on a conscious level, eventually they will take hold on your subconscious and you won’t have to work at it anymore. You will be creating a new and beneficial habit for yourself. The result will not only be a better overall attitude for you but also for those around you (because it will be contagious). Now that’s an awesome gift to give yourself and your peers, isn’t it? I think so!
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you let me know and include this complete blurb with it: © 3/12/2009 by Virtual Assistant Kimberly McCloskey who publishes the newsletter “Productive Pointers” featuring articles on how we all can improve our personal and business efficiency. Request yours at kimberly.j.mccloskey @ gmail.com.
