Replace negative thought patterns with positive thought patterns.
"Habits of pessimism lead to depression, wither achievement, and undermine physical health. The good news is that pessimism can be unlearned, and that with its removal depression, under-achievement, and poor health can be alleviated," states Martin Seligman, Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Pessimism is created by negative thought patterns. Changing negative thought patterns to positive thinking can be achieved if the individual is dedicated and diligent. Follow the steps below to make the change to positive thinking.
Instructions
Steps to Positive Thinking
1. Identify your negative thoughts. For one week, write down all of the negative thoughts that arise in your mind throughout the day. At the end of the week, review the negative thoughts and create a positive thought that addresses and can replace these. For instance, if you constantly think that you will never find a job, replace that thought with the positive idea that you will find a job that is perfect for your experience and ambitions.
2. Use photographs and visualization to replace the negative thought and create a positive thought and hopeful feeling. For instance, if you are searching for a new home, cut out photographs of the type of neighborhood and house you think are ideal for you. Keep these photos with you. When you feel depressed or negative about the search, look at the photographs and assure yourself that you will find the right home. Soon, you will not need to look at a photo -- you will be able to visualize the perfect home. When a negative thought arises, visualize your dream home.
3. Replace negative thoughts and brain chatter with positive affirmations. An affirmation is a mantra or sentence that you repeat out loud or internally, that changes your perspective to the positive. For instance, if you are trying to lose weight, instead of thinking, "I am fat and will never be thin," replace that thought with the affirmation, "I eat properly and exercise every day to look beautiful."
4. Censor or stop watching media that you find creates a negative response in your body. Some people are sensitive to news coverage of natural disasters, shootings and other crimes. They will have a fight-or-flight response to media images of these events. Constant exposure to these images can lead to negative and unhealthy thoughts, such as that the world is an awful place to live. Avoid these images and reports in order to mitigate negative thoughts.
Tags: negative thought, negative thoughts, negative thought patterns, positive thought, that will