Beyond Negativity

In his book, Hard Optimism, Price Pritchett discusses the importance of reducing negative self–talk when we recognize it in ourselves. In fact, Price suggests if we feel the need to choose, it is more important to eliminate a negative mindset than to build a positive one.

Here are the next four practices he recommends:

Practice 5: Recognize and Dispute Pessimistic Thoughts – When we allow our minds to run on autopilot negative thoughts get free rein to sully our subconscious. Take note of the messages playing in your head. By persistently expressing concern, complaining, commiserating, or criticizing, we are viewing our experiences through a negative filter and planting the seeds of pessimism.

At these times we can refocus on past successes, emphasize our strengths, look for what is good about the situation, and identify solutions. If we are still feeling feisty we can argue with our negative mindset and demand objective proof. If the negative thoughts still persist, shift attention to something else entirely. The sooner we identify and eliminate pessimistic thoughts, the easier it is to open space for optimism.

Practice 6: Don’t Accept Problems at Face Value - When trouble hits, it is natural to focus on the dangers, difficulties, and negatives. However, once the initial shock wears off, switch your attention from worst-case to best-case thinking. View the situation from a positive perspective. This reframing counters our tendency to overestimate problems and underestimate our ability to handle them successfully. Positive reframing creates space for optimism, nurtures hope, and adds to your resilience.

Practice 7: Make Hope a Habit - Hope helps move us in the direction of our goals and ambitions. Research proves that hope improves our chances for success, increases happiness, and is good for our health. Hope energizes and mobilizes us, serving as a catalyst for action. Because hope links directly to our confidence level, it inspires us to aim higher, put forth more effort, and have more staying power. Without hope, we are vulnerable to despair. As with optimism, hope is a mental discipline that can be practiced. To make hopefulness an active part of your everyday thinking process, consciously direct your attention toward:

• What you can rather than cannot do
• What you do control rather than what you don’t control
• How to best engage your strengths and resources
• What’s working well in your life
• Possibilities rather than limits

Practice 8: Know How and When to Use Negative Thinking - There is a time for every season – even negativity. In some situations, pessimism helps us see things more accurately by increasing our perception of danger, sensitizes us to potential problems, and causes us to weigh the downside more carefully.

Thanks for reading. Come back for Prickett’s final four strategies in my next blog. They are my favourite ones yet.