How to turn negatives into positives
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
If things are not what you wanted, try to make them into something else.
It may not be quite as simple as it sounds but it’s not impossible,
to change a negative into a positive thought or situation.
“If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”
- Mary Engelbreit
There are techniques that can help you alter your perspective, see things in a different way.
Masking, ignoring, or trying to eliminate a thought probably won’t be much of a help.
The more you try not to think about something, the more you probably will.
Instead of refraining a thought, try reframing it :
take that thought and turn it into something better, different.
You’ll find a solution if you put a more positive spin on it.
That daunting assignment can be finished by tonight if broken down into small steps.
Try changing your perspective, like a photographer.
The picture can appear totally different depending on the angle.
Identify your negative thoughts and replace them with more balanced ones.
“When you change the way you think, you can change the way you feel.”
- Dr David Burns
So how do you reframe your negative thoughts ?
1. Notice your thinking : what are you thinking about and how does it make you feel ?
Are you running a self-talk loop that is negative?
Are you stuck on something someone said or did and can’t get it out of your head ?
Being conscious of what you think can change how you feel : thoughts create feelings.
2. Evaluate the evidence : are your thoughts true and accurate ?
Life events are usually not all or nothing situations.
Remove your emotions and focus on the facts.
You’ll be better equipped to decide if you want to hold on these thoughts or not.
3. Reframe your thoughts with compassion : lessen their severity.
Change your perspective, don’t let yourself feel defeated.
Don’t succumb to “I always fail at dieting.“
Turn that into “I just need to exercise and start eating healthy.”
4. Don’t jump to conclusions about how you think something may turn out.
The loss of a job or relationship can be the best thing that has ever happened to you.
If something doesn’t work out the way you wanted it to, it’s not always a bad thing.
It is not uncommon in time to see negatives turn into positives.
5. Before making judgements about something, wait until all the information is in.
Reframe the situation :
“This isn’t what I’d hoped for but let’s give it a chance.”
Failure and rejection
Both failure and rejection are inevitable.
There are going to be times when things just don’t work out the way you planned.
By reframing these negative experiences into more positive ones,
you can minimize your suffering and build strength, maturity, and resilience.
Failure is an opportunity to look at something differently and try another way.
Think about what you’ve learned from your failure, use the information.
You’ve tried new things, you know way more than you did before.
You know what works and what doesn’t, you’ve experienced growth.
What if you gave something your best shot and was rejected ?
Whether it was an attempt at a career goal or a relationship.
Rejection could allow you to focus on other opportunities.
You might end up being grateful you didn’t get what you wanted.
Reminders
Catch your negative thoughts and look at the facts.
Reframe a statement that is both positive and accurate.
Wait until you have all the information rather than jumping to conclusions.
Don’t allow your imagination to make up false scenarios.
Remember that just because something happened once, it doesn’t mean that’s how it will turn out the next time.
You bring about what you think about : being in control of your thoughts can put you in better control of your life.
It’s up to you to choose the thoughts that are in your best interest.
To change the way you perceive your circumstances and life experiences.
Your thoughts affect your feelings and the choices you’ll make.
Better choices lead to better outcomes and to a life that is happier.
by : antιdrastιc element
based on The Art of Improvement’s Youtube video :
How to turn negatives into positives
photo credιt : @theArtofImprovement
ιmαge credιt : waterfall market.co.za
