5 Reasons Why It’s Hard To Stop Thinking Negatively
Negative thinking, also known as negative self-talk or pessimistic thinking, involves a pattern of focusing on the unfavorable aspects of situations, oneself, or the future. This type of thinking can have a significant impact on mental and emotional well-being, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and a general sense of unhappiness. Here’s a deeper look at 5 reasons why it’s hard to stop thinking negatively:
Daily Intake: Our daily intake of information plays a crucial role in personal, professional and intellectual growth. In today’s fast-paced world, being watchful of the type of information we take in is very important. While the benefits of daily intake of information can be valuable and substantial, it’s important to strike a balance. Overwhelming yourself with too much information can lead to information fatigue and hinder your ability to process and apply what you’ve learned effectively. Finding reliable sources and allocating time for focused learning is key to making the most of your daily information intake. The thoughts that come into our minds depend largely on the information that your mind processes day in and day out. What are you constantly hearing, seeing and taking in daily?
Spiritual Warfare: “Spiritual warfare” is the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, or positive and negative spiritual forces. It is a way of talking about the battles that individuals and communities face in their pursuit of spiritual growth, moral integrity, and alignment with their beliefs. In Christianity, spiritual warfare typically refers to the idea that there are unseen spiritual forces, such as angels and demons, engaged in a cosmic battle for human souls. This battle takes place in the realm of the spirit and involve various forms of temptation, deception and attacks on one’s faith and morality. The goal of spiritual warfare is to resist these negative influences and align oneself with God’s will and principles. The enemy attacks the mindset because it’s the stronghold that leads to fleshly desires. If the enemy can breach the mind, then the action and behavior can be taken over. Usually attacks come more strongly when you are starting a new journey or are about to step into a peak season of your calling. For more on spiritual warfare and how to do spiritual warfare, check out this episode on my podcast here.
Closed-Mindedness: Closed-mindedness refers to a mental attitude characterized by an unwillingness or inability to consider new ideas, perspectives, or information that contradict one’s existing beliefs, opinions, or worldview. It involves a reluctance to engage in open-minded discussions or to critically examine alternative viewpoints. Closed-minded individuals tend to cling to their preconceived notions and reject anything that challenges or contradicts their established beliefs. Overcoming closed-mindedness requires a conscious effort to cultivate open-mindedness. This involves being willing to consider alternative viewpoints, actively seeking out diverse perspectives, and being open to changing one’s beliefs in light of new information. Engaging in respectful and thoughtful discussions with those who hold differing opinions can also help broaden one’s understanding and promote personal growth. Negative thoughts thrive in a closed-minded person because it is trapped with very little options to escape. Are you rejecting opportunities for growth?
Living In The Past: This mindset of behavior describes a mindset of behavior where an individual excessively focuses on or dwells upon events, memories, or experiences from their past, often to the detriment of their present and future well-being. This tendency can prevent personal growth, hinder decision-making, and lead to emotional difficulties. Breaking free from the pattern of living in the past requires self-awareness, self-compassion, and a willingness to embrace change. Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment in the present, seeking professional support if needed, and cultivating a forward-looking perspective can help individuals overcome the limitations of dwelling on the past. Dwelling on the past only contributes to coming up with different ways to relive how you could have done better. All this brings is regret that could potentially lead to depression. For help on how to overcome this, schedule a free 1-on-1 -consultation with me here.
Comparing: Comparing yourself to others is a natural tendency that involves evaluating your own abilities, achievements, appearance, or life circumstances in relation to those of other people. While some degree of comparison can provide motivation and insights for self-improvement, excessive and unhealthy comparison can have negative effects on your self-esteem, mental well-being and overall happiness. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and comparison doesn’t accurately reflect the complexity of individual experiences. Focus on self-compassion, self-improvement, and embracing your own path. Comparing yourself to others is a losing battle because it isn’t accurate. What you perceive may not be true because comparison is looking through the lens of what is lacking or from personal insecurities. In truth, everyone has different needs to be met.
So in summary, our daily intake, spiritual warfare, having a closed mindset, living in the past, and comparing ourselves to others are 5 reasons why it can be so difficult to stop thinking negatively. Remember that managing negative thinking takes time and effort. It’s about cultivating a more balanced and constructive mindset that supports your overall mental health and well-being. For more help on how to manage negative thinking, please schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with me here.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Ephesians 6:16)
**Erica weaves themes of transformative hope and grace-filled leadership into everything she shares on her blog. She’s an author, a speaker, and a life coach, who offers honest encouragement and road-tested wisdom about topics ranging from leadership and lifestyle, to discovering your God-crafted identity, design, and purpose.
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