by Scott Sind
When we are aware of our weaknesses or negative tendencies, we open the opportunity to work on them.
Ever had one of those moments when all you wanted to do was crawl back in bed, put a pillow over your head and shut out the world for a few hours? For a few days?
For the rest of the year?
I’m willing to bet that you have wanted to throw in the towel at some point. And it’s okay if you have. It’s a perfectly normal response, actually.
Human beings have an elaborate, built-in defense mechanism designed to keep us safe. The only problem is that the system doesn’t do a very good job of threat assessment. All dangers are equal, whether the threat is a hungry lion or the empty judgments of others. Our minds and bodies react the same way to both—we retreat back into our cave, where the soft glow of the fire keeps us safe and warm.
You’ve said it before: “It just won’t work.” “Why am I even trying this?” “I don’t know what I’m doing.” “This is stupid.” Deep down you know you’re trying to rationalize your way out of doing something that’s scary, whether it’s looking for a new job, starting a business, writing a book, or calling up your estranged sibling. And every time you rationalize, you sink further into the depths where the pressure of negativity will ultimately crush you.
A few years ago I wrote a novel. Sometimes it was easy, when the words flowed onto the page and I saw the story clearly in my head. Other times it was as if my fingers were made of lead and the story disappeared behind layers of thick fog. On those days I felt like giving up—like I was never going to finish, and even if I did, the book would be terrible.
So I quit writing. My manuscript sat there, untouched, for over a year, and I agonized over it daily because I had sunk so deeply into the rationalization that I wasn’t cut out to be a writer. Every day that I didn’t write I died a little bit inside. I knew that I should be creating, giving the characters life and using words to paint the pictures I saw in my head onto the page.
A little over a year into my creative isolation, I had an epiphany. I started thinking about my book, and my life as a writer, differently. I discovered little tricks to coax the writer within me out long enough to put words on the page. At first these were fleeting moments—maybe ten minutes here and there. But soon, and without much effort, I was spending more and more time working on my novel, enjoying the process, and even laughing off those moments when I couldn’t produce any words.
The very things that had previously driven me into isolation—fear and insecurity—actually propelled me forward now. I’d learned, through various techniques and mindset shifts, to prevent myself from sinking completely into the depths of negativity. The result? I’m now more focused and better able to climb over obstacles and wade through the challenges that come my way. I’m happy to share these tips with you so you can accomplish more, and live an abundant, more confident life.
1. Frame your questions in a positive light.
“What if I fail?”
“What will people think of me if I’m wrong?”
These kinds of questions bait us into negative thinking. By framing our decision-making this way, we’ve already primed ourselves for disappointing outcomes. We’re expecting the lion to pounce at us from the brush.
Instead, flip the questions around to highlight the positives and advantages. Not “What could go wrong,” but instead, “What could go right?” Try “This will be great” instead of “I could fail miserably.” This method of thinking helps you remain centered on the benefits rather than the drawbacks.
2. Focus on building and celebrating small habits.
Climbing out of negativity starts with a first step, no matter how small. Practicing a daily habit is a great way to start building momentum. If you’re struggling with focus, start meditating for five minutes a day. Then slowly build on that until you can focus for longer periods of time. If you’re suffering from writer’s block, write in a journal for five minutes a day. That will grow into 10 minutes, and then 20.
The most important thing is to create positive habits that you can celebrate, which naturally counteracts negativity.
3. Give yourself permission to smile and laugh.
When we’re in a negative space it’s hard to find humor in anything. Research shows that laughing and smiling can increase our levels of serotonin, the happiness hormone, and also raises our endorphin production, which creates a natural “high.” This leads to reduced stress and other psychological and physiological benefits.
A great way to start is to figure out what makes you laugh. For a few days, keep track of what kinds of things make you laugh out loud, or smile, or just generally make you feel good. Then accumulate as many of these sources as you can—books, articles, cartoons, blogs, etc. When you’re feeling particularly negative, grab one of these and escape for a few minutes. (Read The How of Happiness.)
4. Stop saying “can’t” and “won’t.”
When we want something but are struggling to accomplish it, we often sabotage our own progress by convincing ourselves that our goals are out of reach. Saying “can’t” and “won’t” are like slamming on the brakes: “I can’t write,” “I can’t do it,” “I won’t ever be able to.” Using these words in this context reinforces the negative messages. Instead, focus on what you can do: “I can write for 5 minutes a day,” and “I can figure out the steps to make it happen.”
Highlight your abilities rather than your limitations. Focus on all the possible positive outcomes…
To use another example, if you don’t travel because you’re afraid the plane “won’t” stay in the air, or that you “can’t” communicate in a foreign language, understand that the odds are in your favor and that the rewards will far outnumber the tragedies. Compare your fears to the consequences of not acting, and center yourself on the widespread realities, not the make-believe stories.
5. Be careful with “always”— and “never,” too.
“Always” and “never,” likewise, are absolutes and evoke feelings of powerlessness. Thoughts like “I always have problems with this,” or “Oh, I could never do that!” disempower us. Make small shifts into how you use language: “I’ve had these problems in the past, but I can learn to overcome them,” or “I can do that if I really want to.”
Reclaim your power by eliminating absolutes and acknowledging the possibilities.
6. Vary your environment.
Sometimes we just need different surroundings. Take a walk. If you work at home, join a co-working center. If you work in an office, take breaks outside. Go on vacation for a short time if you’re able. The more you experience, the greater the chances you’ll find enough breathing room and inspiration to pull you out of your funk.
7. Move as if your life depended on it.
Because it does!
It’s common knowledge—exercise boosts all sorts of feel-good chemicals in our bodies, not to mention it’s just plain good for you. If you’re not currently exercising at least three times a week, start now. And start small—don’t jump into a rigorous program without first acclimating your body. Walk before you run. Do bodyweight exercises before you transition to machines. You get the idea. Prime yourself for small wins and build positive habits that will last your entire life.
8. Challenge yourself.
The act of learning—whether it’s a skill, language, hobby or sport—benefits us in many ways. It takes our mind off our problems. It challenges us to focus. It heightens our feelings of accomplishment, which tends to drown out negativity. And it boosts our confidence as we learn and grow.
As I started digging myself out of my creative hole, I took on projects and hobbies that forced me to learn new skills and new ways of dealing with the struggles of being a beginner. When I finally sat down to write once again, I had a fresh perspective on the craft that opened up a wealth of new ideas.
9. Have a conversation with yourself—literally.
Journaling helps us tap into our inner problem-solver, allowing us to work out issues without over-thinking them. Getting our negative thoughts out of our heads and onto paper may help to relieve those feelings of malaise.
Choose a time of day when you’re able to remove all distractions and free-write for 5 to 10 minutes, journaling spontaneously about anything that comes to mind. It’s amazing how resilient and innovative we can be when it comes to solving our own problems through self-reflection. (Read Creative Confidence.)
10. Let go of past mistakes…
I abandoned my book partially because I’d written a section that I adored, but took the story and main character on a path that didn’t make sense. I wanted desperately to make it work, but I realized I’d written myself into a corner. Once I went back and deleted that section, the story opened up again.
Holding on to past mistakes or bad choices keeps us rooted in place, unable to grow or move forward. Acknowledging mistakes and learning from them allows us to take those lessons to heart and move past those barriers.
11. …and allow yourself to make new ones.
We learn by trying, and failing, and then trying again. Mistakes contribute to our overall experience of living, and by allowing ourselves to fail, we allow ourselves to live fully. We become attuned to the lessons our mistakes teach us, and over time we learn to appreciate them.
The next time I wrote something that made little sense or didn’t move the story forward, I didn’t hesitate to go back and rewrite it. I realized it was part of the process and not an indictment against my ability.
12. Practice random acts of kindness.
Treating others with kindness and respect helps us feel better about ourselves. When that kindness is unexpected, the reaction and gratitude of a stranger fills our positivity reservoir.
The other day a stranger in front of me paid for my Starbucks coffee. He didn’t stop for recognition, and he left the store before I could thank him. So I did the same for the person in line behind me. Her smile and genuine reaction inspired me for the rest of the day.
13. Bring fun back into your life.
What better way to escape negativity than to engage in activities that lift you up.
Plan for fun every day. See a movie. Play a game. Remember what used to light you up, and do more of those things. Get back into your inner child’s mind, when every new experience filled you with wonder and awe—new experiences are a great way to do this.
14. Set boundaries for family and friends (no gossip, judgment or unsolicited “advice”).
Gossip can be fun, certainly. As humans, we tend to take pleasure in drama and the mistakes of others. But this is inherently negative energy. Take a stand against this kind of interaction—tell your friends and family that gossip is off-limits. Same thing with judgment, and with unsolicited advice directed at what you’re trying to accomplish. Do your best to set boundaries keep external negativity away.
15. Don’t take other people’s negativity personally.
I’m taking this one right out of Marc and Angel’s book—literally. Here’s a quote:
“Don’t take other people’s negativity personally. Most negative people behave negatively not just to you, but to everyone they interact with. What they say and do is a projection of their own reality—their own attitude. Even when a situation seems personal—even if someone insults you directly—it oftentimes has nothing to do with you. Remember, what others say and do, and the opinions they have, are based entirely on their own self-reflection.”
16. Get out of your head and get present.
Too often we obsess over what still needs to be done. We spend so much time running different scenarios in our head that we lose track of the good, the beautiful, and the uplifting that’s already ours. Rather than stew over something that hasn’t yet happened, take the time to express gratitude for the love presently in your life. Choose to focus on the things that are important to you today.
Marc and Angel have shared some powerful thoughts about getting out of your head by changing your beliefs. Check them out.
17. Give yourself room to breathe.
Sometimes all we need is a little space.
We put so much pressure on ourselves to be a certain way that anything short of perfection sends us into self-loathing.
Take a step back, just breathe, and lean into the beauty of your quirks. Lean into being right where you are, just the way you are. Don’t try to be perfect. Just be an excellent example of being human.
Afterthoughts
The most successful people have experienced negativity at various points along their journeys. Maybe their negativity was a result of fear or feelings of inadequacy, as mine was. Or perhaps they suffered failures or disappointments that put them back at square one.
Whatever the cause, there wouldn’t be any success stories without corresponding stories of struggle. The people who persevere and ultimately achieve their goals do so because they learn how to win the battle against soul-crushing negativity. Whether or not they achieve recognition and fame for it, they become great because of their ability to keep on going in the face of the mental obstacles they encounter along the way.
You, too, have what it takes to be one of the greats.
Your turn…
How has soul-crushing negativity affected you? What challenges have you faced, and how have you conquered them? What would you add to this list?
Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Author Bio: Scott Sind is the author of ActivateThought.com, where he writes about leadership, success, creativity, and professional development. He’s on a mission is to help burned-out employees and business owners build a life that enables them to do meaningful, rewarding work they truly love. Grab his free mini-guide 6 Surprising Ways to Avoid Burn Out.
Photo by: Katarina Juarez
Megan says
Excellent advice! Sometimes we get so caught up in the negative that we actually talk ourselves into believing something that is completely made up in our heads. This has resonated so much throughout my life and more specifically this week as I’ve dealt with some unexpected struggles (again).
Thank you for this post, and for the emails you send out each week that keep me thinking and behaving positively and productively.
Scott says
Thanks for the comment Megan. And I totally agree with you—believing those made up stories is all too easy. It takes effort to subdue those negative thoughts, but once you’ve nullified their impact, life gets so much better 🙂
Kevin Benson says
Wow! Another home run post! I am glad found http://www.marcandangel.com last year and signed up for the email updates. I am now using many snippets from your emails/posts and your book like affirmations every morning. Each one resonates with me in a positive way. And each time I read them I see another aspect of meaning in what they say. Some of the points in this post will be added into the rotation tomorrow morning.
One of my big negativity issues right now is that I’ve been trapped in a vicious cycle of believing the negative people around me, while also feeling as if I’d missed my chance with some of my goals. I’ve been talked out of doing what feels right to me for too long. And I’m finally starting to shift gears and see results.
Scott says
Kevin, finally “turning off” the doubters and dream-killers was a big breakthrough for me. I understand that close friends and family ultimately want the best for us, however when they suffer from the same negativity that we’re struggling to overcome it makes the task that much more difficult.
I made a decision to remove those influences from my life by setting clear ground rules, and if necessary, distancing myself from people that insist on being negative. Don’t let others talk you out of what feels right. If they can’t support you in your journey then perhaps an evaluation of the relationship is necessary.
Best of luck to you, and thanks for the comment!
Amandah says
Great points!
I was actually pretty shocked by how accurate each point was after reading all seventeen of them. I think many of us have come across a time in our life where we were challenged by these negativity issues. And in my personal experience, it’s precisely because of these very issues that so many people abandon their dreams and settle for unhappiness.
Cheers to setting us straight!
Scott says
Amandah, you’re so right that people too often abandon their dreams and settle for unhappiness because they’re stuck in a negative space. This was my story for a good part of my life. The journey out of it begins with one small step, which is often all it takes to get our momentum going.
Thanks for your comment!
Yatin Khulbe says
Negativity comes in everyone’s life. What matters more how we come out of this negative zone. I can connect your 1st, 4th and 5th point with all the law of attraction. The way we project our thoughts, projects our reality. Instead of inculcating negative thoughts, we must replace them with the positive ones.
We have the power to mould our thoughts in our own way. Daily habits are very important to crush negativity. I am touched by your simple act of kindness. It was simple yet effective. You can’t compare the smile of a person with anything, isn’t?
Quote from Marc&Angel’s book is very deep. Negative people can’t harm us without our permission. They project their own anger on other people. They are frustrated with their lives only.
Scott, your writing reflects tonnes of experiences. Lot to learn from you. Thanks for sharing Scott’s views with all of us. Have a great day 🙂
Scott says
Thanks Kevin! I appreciate your kind words.
And yes to daily habits!! If I hadn’t started with small, daily habits I might never had re-discovered the joy of writing. One of the first things I did was to replace those negative thoughts with positive ones. It’s amazing how the effect is cumulative and grows over time.
Many thanks for the insightful comment!
Alyssa says
I love this list. I think my biggest area of negativity has to do with fitness. I am constantly feeling bad about myself and wishing that it was different. It is only when I recognize that I cannot change the past but can do something about the future that I finally see a change. Thanks for the reminder to let go of past mistakes…and to know that it is okay to make new ones.
Scott says
Alyssa I can completely relate to your struggles with fitness. I’ve also been stuck in that whole “wishing it were better” mode, and only when I realized that wishing isn’t a substitute for doing was I able to start making progress.
You nailed it when you said you “can do something about the future.” It’s so true, and unfortunately so many people feel powerless to change.
Thanks for the comment!!
Lorina Kelly says
“….Keep going in the face of mental obstacles.” “You, too, have what it takes to be one of the greats.” Those two sentences stand out the most for me. I have struggled with staying positive for many years. I’ve conquered #2. Focus on building and celebrating small habits. I pushed my self into crippling cycles of burn out. I felt like I wasn’t being productive or adding value if I wasn’t juggling at least 10 different things at once, non-stop. I’ve learned to accomplish things in smaller chunks over set periods of time. This has helped tremendously. I’ll be looking for ways to incorporate all of the 17 tips to conquer negativity when it tries to set in. The last 5 habits will probably be my biggest challenges, but also the most rewarding. This is good stuff!
Scott says
Lorina,
Wow, this was me to a tee: “I felt like I wasn’t being productive or adding value if I wasn’t juggling at least 10 different things at once, non-stop.” It got so bad at one point that the stress caused physical problems that I just couldn’t ignore. Doing things in smaller chunks while respecting my own time, and placing constraints on that time, helped me regulate those periods of burn out.
I’m glad you found these helpful. Thanks so much for your comment 🙂
Ellen says
Beautiful post Scott, with plenty of wonderful advice. I love number 12 especially – when I reach out to others, it helps me to remember that negativity is a state of mind, and get perspective on my own situation. I think number 14 too, the spiral of negativity that others can suck you into can also be something very challenging to avoid. Boundaries are so important. I don’t tend to watch the news for example, and I try not to get drawn in when others talk about it 90% of the time, as it doesn’t add anything positive to my life. Thanks for sharing these!
Scott says
Thanks Ellen! So right about negativity being a state of mind. Perspective is a wonderful thing if we allow ourselves to obtain it 🙂
I’ve also distanced myself from the news to a degree. I don’t want to feel totally clueless, but also, like you, I don’t want to waste energy on things that don’t add value to my life.
Thanks for stopping by!
jithin says
Beautiful things happen, when you distance yourself from negativity
Danika Maia says
Thank you!! I needed this 🙂
Danika Maia
danikamaia.com
Anna says
Your website is a spark of lighting to one’s inner thoughts.
Nicki Lee says
I never realized how much negativity is embedded in some of my self-talk. “What happens if I fail?” I think this all the time. But, a simple re-framing can make all the difference. I can do that. Thanks, Scott!
Linda Catherine Robinson says
Thank you for this, Scott. I have come across many articles lately on negativity. I think the reason I’m seeing so many of these articles is that I have been challenged lately with internal negativity as I pursue my current creative project. In my morning pages I recently decided that my mantra for this would be “Neutralize the Negative.” Since then I’ve been shown lots of great ideas for making that happen. Yours are some of the most thoughtful and helpful. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
Scott says
Love the mantra Linda! I tend to suffer negativity more acutely when working on creative projects. It makes sense–creativity opens us up to criticism and ridicule, things we tend to try to avoid 🙂 It takes effort to neutralize those feelings, but it’s energy well spent.
Best of luck with your project, and appreciate your kind words!
Jon Lee says
Hey Scott,
Thanks for posting this today!
I woke up having such a bad day and a million things seem to be going wrong this week, but after reading this post I’m going to give myself some permission to laugh and smile about the situation. Sometimes when things are going badly it can be easy to think things will never get better or always be this way but this post has really helped me orient myself to a more positive frequency!
I’m going to share it with my followers!
Best,
JL
Scott says
Thanks Jon! I greatly appreciate the share!
Allowing ourselves to enjoy life is critical. Laughing, smiling, shrugging off setbacks…it all adds up.
I’m glad the post helped bring some perspective.
Wendy Wahman says
Needed this today. Thanks, Scott.
Scott says
You’re very welcome Wendy! So glad you stopped by!
Jane says
There are moments in my life where my emotions flood with negativity and I start thinking that I won’t be able to get to where I want to go and that I am going to regret the choices that I made for my career.
Taking deep breaths and distracting myself don’t work sometimes. I realize that humour is something that is crucial in enervating anxiety.
To think of myself as this funny, stupid, movie character who is eternally positive and laughable about my life and future–and I have seen someone like this in real life–makes me feel so much better. Instead of talking to others about how insecure I am, I would pompously display the happy fool in me.
With your advice, I wrote a list of things that make me laugh and smile. I will continue to nurture my emotional happiness with the activities on this list.
-Cute puppies videos
-playing a sport with a friend
-Watching a funny movie
-Playing with children
-Random acts of kindness
-Watch David Letterman
Scott says
Jane – I love your list! It really is so important to make time for things that we enjoy. It’s so easy to lose track and forget that we’re human.
Appreciate the comment!
Reeves Wilson says
Nice words of motivation coming at the right time for me. You are definitely a good writer.
Scott says
Thanks so much Reeves!
Jim says
Thanks for the article and advice. I fully believe you are right about #10 – letting go of past mistakes, but it is something I have not been able to do. Mistakes from 20, 30 years ago, still come up to haunt me (the oldest one is something that happened in summer camp).
I want to let go, but I don’t know how. Do you have any advice on how? It is difficult for me, and I am sure for others, too.
Many thanks!
Scott says
Hi Jim. I totally get that letting go of past mistakes and events can be difficult. What works for me might not work for you, but I’ve found that if I take the time to debrief myself each time it makes for a much smoother experience.
In my debrief I do the following:
1. write down the actions or circumstance that resulted in a bad or less than desirable outcome
2. make a list of how other people reacted or responded to those actions
3. brainstorm what I could have done differently
4. Decide on at least 3 things that I will do the next time a similar opportunity presents itself
You’ll probably have to tweak this and figure out your own debriefing system, but if you do something similar you should have an easier time putting those old ghosts to bed. You can only beat yourself up so much for choices made that long ago.
Best of luck!
Luna Darcy says
Hi Scott,
What a very timely post!
This past couple of days I dealt with failure and all the rejection attached to it and it was very tempting to throw a pity party for myself.
Like most of us, I tend to be harder to myself than to others and there were a lot of times I beat myself up too hard than was necessary.
It was refreshing to read your post. Loved how simple yet powerful your pieces of advice to us were!
Hi Marc and Angel,
Thank you for always providing your community with valuable information we can always use to improve our lives.
Luna
Scott says
Hi Luna,
Yes! We are usually our own worst critic. Rejection can be really sobering, and tough to overcome even for the most stoic among us.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post–hopefully you found a few ideas to help you move forward.
Thanks for your comment!
Julane Jazzique says
Scott, everyone who shared, thank you.
Not feeling alone is huge.
Not that I wish others negativity, but knowing I’m not alone in those times helps.
Chatting w someone who “gets it” , hears me, reflects back to me, gives a taste of wisdom, then makes me laugh, takes excellent skills for that, but I know a few who do.
That has helped me tremendously.
Someone who jumps in with you, and adds… Has a momentary lift, but doesn’t help raise me.
I’ve been having panicked feelings around Geo Engineering, money.
Logically, I knew, not healthy.
But emotions are just that, and head knowledge doesn’t always assuage them.
So, I talked about my fears, prayer, and reading posts like yours, I am able to slowly shift, feel the glimmer of light, hope come in. Send positive energy out, instead of being a black hole of negative energy sucking.
It helps.
Not to say, feeling through my feelings is not healthy, it’s getting stuck, I have suffered from.
Thank you again for the positive light
L’Shalom
Scott says
Hi Julane,
Thanks so much for sharing. I truly appreciate your openness and can certainly empathize with your struggles.
It’s tough when you’re looking up from the bottom of a hole, and the way out seems impossible. Digging out of negativity takes small steps…tiny, daily habits that allow you to build momentum. It isn’t one action; it’s many actions that ultimately pull you out.
Best of luck to you!
Susie Kline says
I needed this so much! I’ve been in a negative spiral for quite awhile. Months…maybe years. Bad health, family problems. It seems never-ending. While I try to be up-beat on the outside, on the inside I feel like I’m just over it all. But you’ve given me some good ideas. Things I can use!
Thank you!
Susie
Cate Scolnik says
Hey Scott,
This is a great post with really solid advice. Another trick I use to get myself writing is telling myself I’m not really starting. I think, “I’m not really starting, I’m just brainstorming headlines. I’m not really starting, I’m just putting down a few points. I’m not really starting, I’m just doing the outline …” Before I know it, I’ve written a post that I never even started! 🙂
Cate
Linda Coussement says
Wow, thank for sharing that great and personal story Scott! You’re right, we all like to run away and hide from that little monster in our head that tells us we’re not good enough. Even when we know very well that that’s utter nonsense.
I’m actually having 1 of ‘those’ days today so your post was very welcome! 🙂
Ning says
True words and thank you for writing this to influence others. It’s wonderful to think about the impact you (or your words) have on others as you are writing it 🙂
I’m lucky to have been able to experience some of your tips and it helps a lot. Thanks for reminding me about them!!
Maria Stenvinkel says
Hi Scott,
Great article!
I loved your advice and you’re spot on with how I can feel many times. You actually motivated me so much that I’m going to go for a run now (been thinking about it for the past 3 hours or so… hehe).
Also, killing your darlings can be extremely difficult but necessary to move on at times!
Thanks again,
Maria
Quentin Green says
Wise words and well stated. For me getting out of my head is my own personal nemesis. Acknowledging it is happening and focusing on the positive and especially gratitude really helps.
Thanks and keep it up.
Mark tong says
Hi Scott – really good solid useful advice – I had the same trials with my first book, but unfortunately didn’t have this post to consult!
Therese Sibon says
Oh, yes to persistently watching that downward spiral to negativity and transforming that upwards! I had a similar situation with treating a stranger to a free snack years ago when I was on a retreat and suffering deep mental anguish. It was a spontaneous act on my part and – in keeping with the struggles I was enduring – afterwards I doubted what I had done! But I carefully stopped those negative doubts. At the end of the retreat, the man came up to me and thanked me with such kindness – he said that he had been having the worst day of his life and my random act of kindness completely changed it! It changed mine – what a wonderful WIN/WIN situation! Thanks for the reminder – I am curious for today’s win/ win situation!
Allison Zinder says
Thanks for this post! I’m sure there must also be some research that proves that higher levels of serotonin, besides creating happiness in general, also help us get into “the Zone” of creativity. Personally, I have to be happy and relaxed for the creative juices to flow. A virtuous cycle!
Scott says
Allison, I think you’re onto something 🙂
I’m the same way. It’s hard to be creative when in a negative space, which is why it’s so important to take the steps necessary—no matter how small they are—to overcome those troubling times.
Thanks for the comment!
Allan Francisco says
Hey Scott,
It’s always better not to let negativity control over you, you must have some positive guts so that you can show the world that you have the potential to crush negativity.
Absolutely nice advice Scott, cheers!
-Allan
Ethan says
Hey Scott, great list! I think it’s already complete.
Generally, when I allow soul-crushing negativity, I’d end up procrastinating. This type of negativity can literally be exhausting even if I’m just sitting down “thinking.” And this is hurtful procrastination, not the one I’d actually enjoy.
Since your list is complete, I’d have to choose #15 (Don’t take other people’s negativity personally) as my way of conquering negativity.
I realized (not too long ago) that I could actually be a positive person. Sometimes I claim that I am one. I only realized that I allowed the negativity of others to get into my brain. I used to blame them, but it wasn’t what’s happening really. It was me allowing myself to be negative–regardless of the source. Then yes, I found that it wasn’t only people that was causing my negativity. Having a shift of that perspective can really change everything. Even one’s general mood. It’s all great!
Jayne says
This was such a good post. Wow, I really resonated with it! I feel like I need to post this list up and look at it whenever I’m starting to feel negative and quickly switch my energy to positive!