Focusing on the negatives is a natural thing. We all do it. It’s hard to be positive sometimes when we just aren’t feeling it. So maybe…stop trying to be positive if it’s just not possible…at least for a little bit. Remind yourself that it’s okay to sometimes let a negative emotion wash over you. The key is to to allow it for a few minutes at a time, and then shift your thoughts to something else. The something else doesn’t have to be super positive, just something different. Maybe you refocus on a task. Maybe you think about future-oriented things that you are unsure about, but that don’t bring fear. Maybe you think about a positive memory. Just remember to regroup within a few minutes.
Another thing to remember is to try to use the negative thoughts. If they’re there taking up space rent free in your mind, then put them to work. Use the negatives as motivation to create the change you want to see. Let the negative thoughts be the fuel you need to do something just a little differently today. Remember “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” -Lao Tzu. And maybe that single step stems from a super negative, painful thought.