“How Can I Stop Negative Thinking?” 3 Simple Steps to Be More Positive Right Now

by Becky Holliday
How Can I Stop Negative Thinking Becky Holliday

Wish you knew how to stop negative thinking?

Is negative thinking chipping away at your happiness?

I get it. Those negative thought loops can weigh you down, and make it hard to see the good in yourself and your life, can’t they? 

If you find it hard to stop them from taking over and getting you down, you’re not alone. 

We all have a negative voice, saying things like…

  • “You look horrible.”
  • “You’re not pretty enough.”
  • “You’re not confident enough.”
  • “You’re not good enough.”
  • “They don’t like you.”
  • “You’ll never be able to do that.”
  • “Who do you think you are?”
  • “You’re lazy.”
  • “Why are you so slow at everything you do?”
  • “You need to get more done.”
  • “I can’t believe you didn’t get everything done.”
  • “You should have achieved more today.”
  • “You never do what you say you’ll do.”
  • “You need to get a grip.”

These negative thoughts are exhausting, aren’t they? They creep in when you’re feeling low and overwhelmed, and have a way of amplifying every little doubt you have about yourself. 

Today, let’s break the cycle. 

Imagine what it would feel like to learn how to stop those negative thoughts. To have more good days than bad. To feel lighter, confident and in control. To be that happy, healthy and productive woman you want to be. To finally feel you’re enough for yourself and others. 

It’s possible, and I’m here to show you how. 

So, keep reading to discover:

  • Why your mind (and everyone else’s) is wired to focus on the negative.
  • The key to a happier, healthier mindset.
  • The #1 habit proven by science for feeling happier and more optimistic.
  • 3 steps to replace negative thinking with positive.
  • The 1-minute trick to get yourself out of negative thinking.

Why You Tend to Focus on the Negative

Did you know your brain is naturally wired to find and focus on the negative? Thousands of years ago, our brains needed to work this way. If we weren’t always thinking of worst-case scenarios to help us avoid danger, we wouldn’t survive.

So, if you often feel weighed down by negative thinking, please know it’s not your fault. Your brain is doing what it’s designed to do. 

But here’s where things get interesting: While you can’t stop negative thinking, you can train your mind to be more positive.

With daily practice, you can create space for more positive, supportive thoughts — and push out the negative. 

Train Your Brain to Think Positively

One of the most effective tools I’ve found to help me become more positive and reduce negative thinking, is daily gratitude. It’s simple, quick and powerful. 

Each day, all you do is take a few minutes to write down 3 things you’re grateful for. At first, it might feel forced, especially if you’re feeling down, but trust me when done consistently, it works. 

Wondering how something so simple can make such a difference? 

Here’s the thing: When you focus on what you’re grateful for, you retrain your brain. And over time, as proven by science, it literally rewires your brain to look for the positive over the negative.

After just a few weeks, research has shown you’ll:

This isn’t just about feeling good in the moment either — it’s about creating long-term positive change in how you think and feel. 

So, try the 3 steps below to make daily gratitude a habit and transform your mental health and happiness.

3 Simple Steps to Reduce Negative Thinking

Step 1

Take a few minutes each day to write down 3 things you’re grateful for. These could be simple things like your morning coffee, a compliment from a friend, and your new book for your holiday to Croatia. 

Step 2

Choose a specific time and place for your new habit. Maybe in the morning just before you plan your day, or in bed before you go to sleep. Making it a routine will help you stick with it.

Step 3

Add it to your calendar. Having a reminder can make all the difference, especially on days when you’re feeling low or overwhelmed. Plus, research shows saying when and where you’ll do something increases your chances of success by 40%.

I’ve been doing daily gratitude for years now — and I never plan to stop, given the positive impact it’s had on the way I think and feel every day. When you make it a habit too, I know you’ll feel the same.

Your Turn

Now you know how to change your mindset it’s time to put it into action. 

What are you grateful for today?

Take a moment to write it down — and make it a daily practice. Over time, you’ll find those negative thoughts lose their grip on you. 

Bonus Tip: How to Stop Negative Thinking in 1-Minute

Whenever you find yourself caught up in negative thinking, as hard as it can be in the moment, push yourself to try this: Say to yourself, “Thank you for sharing, but I’m going to focus on the positive right now.” Then, say out loud or write down 3 things you’re grateful for. 

This trick, although hard to force yourself to do in the moment, can have a profound positive impact on your day — and prevent you from spiralling into one of those low and unproductive moods that never feel good.

Looking For More Tips?

If you want more ways to stop negative thinking, download your 5-step health guide below. Then go straight to section 1 to learn 3 more simple habits that’ll improve your mindset in 5 minutes or less a day.  

Personalised Support

For more support and to improve your mindset and health in just 12 weeks, check out 1:1 Health Coaching now. Click the button below to learn more and join the waitlist — you’ll be first to know when a space opens up. 

Negative thoughts will always pop up for you, me and everyone else — no matter how happy, healthy or successful you are. But, with the right tools, strategies and support, you can learn how to stop them from taking over and ruining your days. Because you really do deserve better.

With love and encouragement,

Becky x

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