You’re going to have days when your brain just won’t cooperate with you, and you’ll get stuck thinking about the same things over and over again.
That over-and-over thinking can keep you from making progress on any of your goals, and it can even make some tasks seem more challenging than they really are. On top of that, the more frequently you ruminate or fixate on negative thoughts, the less motivated you’ll be and the harder it will be to see solutions or results.
So let's take a look at the specifics
Getting stuck in a negative thought pattern
It's normal for negative thoughts and feelings to come up. There's nothing wrong with feeling sad, frustrated, angry, or any other emotion. It is when these thoughts and feelings keep coming up that it's time to take a step back and reflect on your thoughts. You may find that you have been stuck in a loop of negativity, which will make you feel terrible about yourself and the world around you. That negative cycle needs to be broken.
The power of repetitive positive self-talk
One of the most powerful ways to switch gears is with repetitive positive self-talk. We all know that we need to be our own cheerleader, but it's not just about being nice to ourselves. Repeating positive phrases over and over again is a proven way of changing how you see the world, how you feel about your life, and what you believe is possible for yourself.
The importance of routine
Routines are powerful tools for getting things done and making our lives easier. That said, there is a downside: they can also limit our perspective on the world. If you do the same thing every day, you'll be exposed to the same thoughts over and over. This can lead us into a downward spiral of negativity or inaction. Because of this, it's important that we constantly challenge ourselves by changing what we're thinking about--even if just for one day out of 365 days.
Positive things have positive side effects
Brain research has shown that our brains work more effectively when we have variety in what we're thinking about. There are many ways you can change what you think about, but the most effective is: Repetition - repeating a new thought over and over again until it becomes ingrained in your mind. A great example of this is if you want to remember someone's name, repeat their name as soon as you hear it and say it out loud. To assist with your repetition, record positive statements and listen to them over and over.
Positive thinking isn't for everyone
If you've been practising positive thinking and it hasn't seemed to work for you, it's time to move on. Changing your thoughts is like a muscle that needs to be exercised so you can feel a sense of relief. You'll find that the more times you switch up what you're thinking about, the less power those bad thoughts will have over you.
Improving productivity through positivity
One of the best ways you can use repetition is by using a positive mantra. This means substituting negative thoughts for positive ones. It's often difficult to do this on your own, but if you have someone else in your life with whom you share an emotional connection, it can be much easier.
Practising gratitude
You should practice gratitude every day. Gratitude is a powerful way of looking at life and seeing what you have, not what you don't have. Practice gratitude by writing in a gratitude journal, repeating the mantra Thank you for... when something good happens, or by taking time each day to reflect on all the great things in your life.
Talk to yourself like you'd talk to someone else
I know you've heard it before, but I'm going to say it again: You need to change what you're thinking about. A lot. And often. It might seem like a hassle at first, but the more you do it, the easier it will get.
The truth is, your brain loves novelty and is always craving new stimulation. So every day when your mind starts to wander, try something new. Pick up a book about a subject that's completely foreign and unfamiliar.
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