Automatic Negative Thoughts: How To Stop Automatic Negative Thoughts In 3 Simple Steps
Automatic Negative Thoughts: How To Stop Automatic Negative Thoughts In 3 Simple Steps
Automatic negative thoughts can cause serious damage to your confidence and your decision making skills. They can keep you from doing the things you've always wanted to do and from saying the things you want to say. And, well, that's not much of a life at all, is it?
Fortunately, there are ways to stop these automatic negative thoughts before they take over your life! Read on to find out how!
Step 1: A Positive Thought a Day
Thinking negative might be second nature to you, but that doesn't mean you can't think positive thoughts either.
As your assignment, I want you to think of at least one positive thought each day. It doesn't have to be something remarkably grand like being promoted or winning the lottery. It can be as simple as having a good breakfast or having a roof above your head.
Do this everyday without fail and soon positive thinking will be as natural as eating and breathing!
Step 2: Live in the Now.
Automatic negative thoughts usually center on what has already happened and what might happen in the future. To keep those thoughts out, invest yourself in the present. Concentrate only on the now so you won't waste time worrying about the past and the future.
For example, if you're meeting a blind date tomorrow night, don't waste your time thinking about whether the whole thing is going to run smoothly or not.
If you're at work, focus on your work. If you're at home, focus on finishing your chores. And if you're already driving to meet with your blind date, focus on your driving.
Before you know it, you're already face to face with your date! And since you didn't waste your time thinking negatively, you are much more prepared to just experience the present.
Step 3: Counter Your Thoughts.
If you really want to get rid of those automatic negative thoughts, there's no better way to do it than to counter them with positive thoughts. Good vs. evil.
Every time you find yourself thinking, "I am fat," tell yourself, "Cancel! Cancel! Cancel!" Then say something like, "I choose to become fit and healthy." (Note: Saying something like, "I am sexy and desirable" might not be accepted by your subconscious mind immediately, so use the word "choose" to make it more acceptable.)
Or every time your mind thinks, "I'm not going to win this race," think, "I choose to be a winner!" Doing this helps steer your mind in the right direction and pretty soon, it'll get the hint.
Automatic negative thoughts are normal. Everyone gets them but now, you know how to stop them from being a constant presence in your life!