Just be positive!

Sounds simple, right? Then why can it be so hard?

When everything in life is smooth sailing, positive thoughts flow freely. However, when life presents a struggle, or you are going through a difficult season, negative thinking can take over and be next to impossible to shut off.

Based on my experience as a coach, negative thinking is one of the top things holding people back.

I have always considered myself a “glass half full” kind of girl. However, when I was faced with my autoimmune diagnosis, followed by years of fear around my health, my negative thinking spiraled out of control.

Some of my good days sadly became bad days due to my negative thoughts.

The problem is that negative thoughts can become a nasty habit and patterned way of thinking. And, as you know, habits are hard to break!

Negative thoughts can operate on autopilot and play on repeat all. day. long!

You are inevitably going to have ups and downs throughout our lifetime. So, what are you to do when negative thoughts start to creep in?

These three things helped me, and I know they will help you, too. I encourage you to start practicing them daily, and your negative thoughts will slowly start to fade away.

3 TOOLS TO OVERCOME NEGATIVE THINKING

1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Acknowledging my thoughts has been instrumental in healing from two autoimmune conditions. I used to silence my thoughts and flat out ignore them.

I’m proof this operating model does not work.

When you brush something under the rug, it’s guaranteed to pop up again. A better approach is to allow your thoughts to surface.

Then, instead of trying to control or ignore them, simply acknowledge that they are there and that all is okay.

The more you practice this, the better you will become at allowing your thoughts to flow to the surface and release.

2. IS IT TRUE?

Asking yourself this one simple question can change everything! Most of your thoughts are just stories you’re telling yourself.

The next time you have a negative thought, ask yourself, “Is this true?” More than likely, you will find that your thought is entirely false.

The problem is not the negative thought itself, but rather when you believe the thought to be true.

Pausing for a moment to look at the validity of the thought stops us in our tracks so you can course-correct before moving forward.

3. GIVE YOURSELF TIME

Changes take time!

If negative thinking is something you have been struggling with for years, know that changes won’t happen overnight.

Be patient with yourself and trust that things are improving day by day.

IN CONCLUSION

It’s guaranteed that you will struggle with negative thinking at some point in your life.

However, understanding how you can shift your thought patterns gives you back your power!

What practices have you used to shift your thoughts in the past? Share with us in the comments!

For more on Katie, head here!