Workplace: Tune out the low notes

From time to time, we all think and say negative things to ourselves. It’s normal. Unfortunately, this type of thinking can become a way of life. Once it does, it will keep you away from finding success, reaching your goals, and creating a good work atmosphere in your office.

Another reason to put a plus sign in your mind’s minus column is that negative thoughts take energy away from you while positive ones give you more. Just do the math and you can see it’s worth the effort. Negative thinking isn’t just a bad habit; it can do real harm to you and your business, especially if you or your clients and associates start to believe it.

Be alert

One of the ways to break this habit is to become aware of the negative thoughts while they are happening. This kind of mindfulness can turn the experience into a positive one. Being conscious of what’s going on inside your head and around your life really helps reduce your tension.

Be patient

Sometimes, stress leads to negative thinking. If you know you’re stressed out, try taking a patience pill. Do that by telling yourself that you need to go with the flow until the uncomfortable or negative thoughts or moments pass.

Know how you are feeling

Many times we think in the negative when we’re not feeling that good about ourselves. Perhaps your boss or teammate got on your case or didn’t come through with a promise, which can leave you feeling low. In real life, this is sometimes hard to avoid.

But being aware of how you are really feeling in the moment gives you the ability to change the energy and protect yourself by purposely thinking positive thoughts. This is not the same thing as being a Pollyanna [someone who is a compulsive optimist]. Using your brain to help you resolve a difficult moment is a tried-and-true technique that will assist you in shifting your mood and regaining your focus.

Find what’s good

Appreciating where you are and what you have also helps. You need to commit to yourself that you’re not going to let the painful emotions or situations run your life or suck you in. Use the power of positive thinking to keep a bad moment from becoming a lifestyle and damaging your career.

Make use of little tricks

Make a mental list of what is working in your life [at your job and your home]. This helps set the tone for moving through a difficult time. Then look at how you’ve dealt with other challenges for additional internal support.

Saying to yourself, “I think I can.” “I know I can,” works even better. When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” stop the negative thought and actually say, “I’m cancelling that out.” Then put a positive statement like, “I’ve succeeded before and I can do it again,” in its place.

Now, whenever you feel down, turn off that downer station in your head and tune into the good things you do and have and your world will be much better.