What can we do when our negative thoughts become too much a part of our lives? What can we do when they get to the point of making us doubt our ability to be happy? It’s not easy not to give in to negative thoughts. That’s why here are my 4 steps to help you regain control of your life. It’ll do you a world of good.

1 – The first step is to become aware of the presence of negative thoughts.

As with everything in life, we need to be aware of things in order to act on them. The same applies to negative thoughts. We need to become aware, that is, to realize that negative thoughts are too numerous and too heavy for us at the moment.

Often, this realization is not easy, because we tend to accept the presence of our thoughts, even the most negative ones. Why do we do this? Because we haven’t learned something essential: our thoughts are just thoughts.

And right now, we identify with them. In fact, because we think this way, we believe it to be the absolute truth. No, they’re just thoughts. And, unfortunately, we sometimes go through difficult times in our lives, when our thoughts become all the more negative.

That’s why realizing that we have negative thoughts inside us and that it’s time to detach ourselves from them is the first step!

2 – Adopting the right posture to avoid letting negative thoughts get the better of you

We let ourselves go in the face of negative thoughts because we don’t adopt the right posture to deal with them. In fact, we let ourselves go completely, because we identify with our thoughts, even the most negative ones, even those that hurt us the most.

Because we think something, we tell ourselves it must be the truth about us, about life. But it’s not! Most of our thoughts are automatic, feeding on our deepest fears and negative beliefs.

That’s why we’re talking about adopting the right posture so as not to let negative thoughts get the better of us. The one that consists in saying: “I am not my thoughts. My life is not my thoughts.

Initially, this posture is rather combative. In other words, we’re going to get in front of every thought and say “No, thank you”. This is called stepping back and distancing ourselves from our thoughts.

Because if you’re reading this article, it’s quite possible that you’re listening too much to your thoughts, that you’re letting them gradually change your outlook, but also your attitude and behavior in life. It’s normal, it happens to everyone. It’s just that now it’s time to adopt a new posture and stop letting your thoughts mistreat you. Will you adopt it? Will you say “no thanks” to your negative thoughts?

3 – Learn not to give in to negative thoughts

Let’s face it, distancing yourself from negative thoughts is a whole new learning process. A new apprenticeship. Learning that our thoughts are just thoughts, and distancing ourselves from every negative thought and belief.

It’s a learning process that requires awareness and consistency. You don’t have to do it alone. In fact, you can ask for help from a psychologist, for example, but also from me, a trainer and happiness coach.

In fact, understand that this learning process won’t happen overnight, because it involves working on each and every one of your negative thoughts. One by one. One day at a time. So, like any learning process, the work is complicated at first! But as the days go by, it gets easier and more enjoyable too.

Because, yes, this learning process will lead you to better things. So make the effort. It’s worth it!

Start learning today and set yourself the goal of making it through the week, then the month, then a second month, and so on! But start now. With the next negative thought. Say “No thanks”. You’ll see, it’ll do you a world of good.

4 – The final step in breaking out of this negative pattern is to persevere.

Not giving in to negative thoughts is a learning process. So is living and being happy. Because life is about learning. So don’t get stuck with your negative thoughts. Lift your head and persevere.

As I was saying, there’s a kind of fighting spirit to be developed and cultivated in yourself and for yourself! Because happiness doesn’t fall from the sky and unhappiness isn’t inevitable. You learn to be happy, you learn not to be unhappy.

And this learning process requires perseverance! So roll up your sleeves and get up. Do it for yourself!

And understand that learning is a wonderful adventure. I know you’re lacking energy right now, because your negative thoughts are tiring you out and have tripped you into anxiety, fears and maybe even depression. But you still have energy inside you. For yourself, to find your way back to happiness. You can do it!

So do it, and start by saying “no thanks” to the first negative thought that comes your way. And “no thanks” to the second and so on. What do you think? Will you do it?

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover We don’t care and it feels good: 15 ways to say goodbye to guilt
Discover How to treat anxiety: 6 easy-to-follow tips

I recommend this inspiring book:

Banish Your Inner Critic: Silence the Voice of Self-Doubt to Unleash Your Creativity and Do Your Best Work by Denise Jacobs

The author provides practical advice on overcoming the negative thoughts and doubts that get in the way of creativity. The book offers strategies for silencing the inner critic and cultivating a positive mindset, fostering an environment where individuals can confidently express their creativity and do their best work. By getting to the root of negative thinking, Denise Jacobs empowers us to adopt a more positive and encouraging perspective, unleashing its full potential.

Denise gives you the tools to overcome self-doubt and stop forcing yourself to be creative. She also encourages everyone to recognize the innate creativity we all have, and the power of acknowledging it.
Wherever you are on your creative journey, you’ll find this book a helping hand.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself