Updated: Jul 19, 2022

Stopping the negative self-talk

One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to learn how to control the negative thoughts that run rampant in our heads daily. I’m sure you know the voices I’m talking about. The intercurrent of dialogue that runs through our minds seemingly nonstop. The voices that convince us that we can’t dream that big, nothing good ever happens to us, or fretting about the future and creating sinister scenarios that never actually happen.

It can cause quite a bit of stress to not only you but those around you. It can come in many forms and can have devastating effects on our productivity and mental health.

Focusing on negative thoughts can cause a decrease in motivation as well as a feeling of helplessness. This type of critical inner dialogue has even been linked to depression, so it’s extremely important to address.

But what can we do to combat this inner dialogue?

The good news is that with consistent practice, you can replace negative thought patterns with positive ones. This practice can have a huge impact on our daily happiness and comfort.

Consider the following strategies for managing and reducing your negative thoughts:

First, we must identify the stressful thoughts that we’re believing and question them … to get still enough so that you can hear your own answers.

When a negative thought enters your mind, you can learn to neutralize it right then and there. Questioning the thought as to its truthfulness.

Next, replace the negative thought with a more positive one. Some examples might include changing:

· “I’m so nervous about speaking in front of people – I’m sure they’re thinking about how terrible I was last time” (magnification/minimization) to “I’m probably better at speaking than I think. Last time I gave a presentation I had good feedback.”

· “I’m a complete failure” (black-and-white thinking) to “I have strengths and weaknesses, like anyone – and many skills and abilities.”

With practice, you’ll learn to recognize and challenge your unhelpful negative thoughts – and replace them with more helpful positive ones.

Although you’re bound to have negative thoughts, they don’t have to control you or how you feel. You’re in control of how you react to them – and you can change them. And when you change your thoughts, you change your reality.

For more insight, consider reading Byron Katie and Stephen Mitchell’s book “Loving What Is.” This book is revolutionary in its approach to negative thought patterns. I’ve read it, and it’s had a huge impact on my day-to-day life.

Peace and Love