How to change negative thinking

 Negative thinking is definitely something we all struggle with and it is very easy to give into those type of thought patterns.

It contributes to anxiety, depression and limiting belief systems. It is your responsibility to change negative thought patterns into more helpful and positive ways of looking at situations. 

The key to changing your negative thought patterns is making the effort to understand how you think now and the problems that result from those thoughts. 

Here are 6 AMAZING tips for changing your negative thought patterns to change your life. 

1. Take the time to understand your thinking style

It is important to understand the way you are thinking now because usually if you tend to think of yourself as a complete failure or success in every situation you experience, then you are encouraging a 'black and white' way of thinking. Jumping to conclusions, negative assumptions, over generalizing also falls under negative thinking patterns. 

2. Learn how to stop thinking negatively

Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy is the process of helping you identify and CHANGE negative thoughts into more helpful and adaptable responses.

Basically how it works is you identify the negative thought, you analyze it to see if it has any value to you and then you simply replace it. 

Sounds easy right?

Well it is not...let's be real.

It is difficult to think with this new style when starting out however over time with practice, positive and rational thoughts will come to you more naturally. 

3. Be able to handle criticism

This is so valuable because when you are able to handle taking feedback which sometimes may not be what you want to hear, it can affect your overall thinking and the way you view yourself. However if you choose to look at criticism as a way to improve or as a learning experience, then things will shift for you.

It is life, there will be people who will be critical and judgmental towards you that is why you need to be able to cope with rejection as well as criticism. Build up being more assertive and stronger from within to be able to handle criticism. 

4. Meditate and practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is rooted in meditation and the beauty of meditation is basically practicing detaching yourself from your thoughts and emotions and rather observing them as an outsider.

Basically mindfulness allows you to regain control of your emotional reactions. 

5.Eliminate thought stopping

This is the complete opposite of being mindful, basically this is when you are on the lookout for negative thoughts and focusing on removing them from your thought process.

The more you actually focus on thought stopping, the more your negative thoughts will surface.  Overtime it only leads to more anxiety.

6. Journal or write down your thoughts

This is ideal when wanting to change negative thinking. It helps you to identify your negative thoughts and actually understanding them so that you can proactively change those thoughts. This is an amazing tool on a daily basis because every day we have struggles and it is refreshing to write them down and releasing them so that you don't hold onto those negative thought patterns that will only bring you down.

It is possible to break those limiting beliefs that you have or improving your self esteem. Remember your thoughts create your reality.