Change Negative Thinking Patterns That Ruin Your Life

We’ve all made up excuses for not trying to do things.  Some of us have negative thinking patterns getting in the way of our ability to move forward in life.  We form negative slogans we say to ourselves as the result of continuous practice and repetition of negative thinking and excuse making.

Below Dr. Henry Cloud, co-author of the best selling book ‘Boundaries’ has some really great information about the negative thinking and self talk that we daily hurt ourselves with.  He points out that these negative slogans can be changed and replaced with more positive ones that will change our outlook on life by changing the relationship we have with ourselves.  This happens by improving our thinking which in turn will improve our mental health and increase our joy.

Below is a list of negative slogans that some of us could be repeating to ourselves.

Negative Slogans:

1. I can’t do it, I’m no good at this and I will fail.
2. When I fail I will make a fool of myself.
3. Nobody will like me. I’m unlikeable.
4. Things will come to me. I don’t need to try.
5. I don’t know what I want out of life. No point in trying something new.
6. It’s someone else’s fault. Not mine.
7. I can’t change. I am the way that I am. No point in trying.

If your mind works anything the list above,  it’s best to get a new list of positive slogans to help you change your thinking patterns into productive thoughts that will lift the way you feel and change the way you think.

How To Change These Old Negative Thinking Patterns

These repetitive slogans that seem to pop up in our heads are the result of continuous practice of negativity.  Becoming optimistic with positive self talk and thinking can be achieved. It takes practice and commitment to get there.  We can first start by writing down some new positive slogans.  Keep a close eye and monitor your thoughts.  Every time a negative thought pops up in your head you replace it with a new one.

New Slogan Examples:

1. No more I can’t excuses. I can, and I will.
2. When I fail, I will learn from it and move on.
3. I will not wait for life to find me. I will find life.
4. There is great opportunity for a great future.
5. I am the only person who can own my dreams, and I choose to own them.
6. Blame will not get me where I want to go. Ownership will get me there.
7. When I take responsibility for my problems, I am in charge.

Rotate your slogans – Come up with fresh ones every few weeks. Put them in different places. Keep it interesting. Don’t let sameness cause you to ignore and forget about them.

Keep your new slogan list handy – Leave little reminders for yourself such as post it notes on your fridge, on your bathroom mirror and messages on your mobile phone.

Train your mind with the words in the bible – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

When you do the retraining your mind, embrace reality and forgive.  These new slogans can be really effective and powerful for change.

Sandra Ciminelli
Cred.Dip.Couns.(Christian)

Sources:

Dr Henry Cloud – Boundaries – How To Reject Your Negative Thinking Patterns