6 Actionable Ways to Overcome Cycles of Negativity 

6 Actionable Ways to Overcome Cycles of Negativity 

by Deinno O'Keefe

It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of negativity. When everything seems to be broken or life seems to be going against you. What do you do? How do you overcome? I recently received an email asking just that, maybe you can relate? 

“How did you deal with your negative thoughts day to day? Like I am underpaid, looking for a new job but I keep finding jobs in places that are so expensive and the salary isn’t worth it. I feel stuck. It feels stressful but I try to stay positive. Some days are more difficult. How did you get through those days?” 

So how do you get through those days? Aside from your physical circumstances which can or cannot be controlled; it's your mindset that needs to be controlled and adjusted. Take a look at how you view your life. Is it through a negative lens? If so, it's effecting you and most likely those closest to you. 

Think of it this way, I recently wrote an article for a publication; I was writing a section on "self-talk" and how important it is to feed your mind with positive thoughts and how it's only a matter of time before your reality matches your self-talk. 

The last line I wrote was this:  Stop telling yourself you can't do it. After editing it, here’s how I changed that line to be more positive:  Start telling yourself you can do it. 

Now this doesn’t seem like a huge difference but that subtle change can mentally alter your drive to be proactive. Your level of motivation to fight through and see the positive develops. Here are some practical ways for you to start building healthy habits in order to overcome cycles of negativity and push to see the positive! 

1. Focus on the positive 

For some, this may be a minute by minute struggle. It’s about recognizing the negative thoughts and replacing them with something positive. Everyone knows the old saying, “seeing the glass half full” gradually you will build the positive habit.   

2. Remind yourself how fortunate you are (no matter how small) 

If you are reading this you can see. You are breathing. Do you have a family, a wife, a husband, or kids? Are you healthy? Do you have a roof over your head and food on the table? 

3. Realize there is a lesson in every struggle 

No matter the circumstance, the best way to say it is “grow through what you go through.” The lesson may be internal (patience, self-control, discipline) or maybe it’s external (avoid this or that, whether someone is trustworthy) or most of the time, both.  

4. Continue to develop yourself and continue learning and growing 

If you are continuously self-developing, you are empowering yourself with a wider range of options. Limited knowledge limits opportunities. The more you learn and grow, the better you can see and leverage multiple options and opportunities. It will help you to quickly adapt and overcome negative situations and not be stuck in a downward cycle. 

5. Put yourself on a time out 

We all need a breather or a break in the daily “rat race.” Setting aside daily meditation or quiet time has tremendous benefits. 

6. Surround yourself with people who support you and desire to see you grow 

If you are continuously around negative people then negativity will be your influence.  Find people that live positive habits.  

  

Remember, all seasons have an ending. Humans can withstand pretty much anything knowing that the season will not last forever. Be patient with yourself. It’s not likely you will reprogram your mind in a day, week or even a month. What matters is your continued effort to redirect and reprogram your mind and healthy habits are being established. 

Deinno O’Keefe, Traveler, Digital Influencer, Soldier, and Founder of oneepiclife.org, a movement out of San Diego, CA empowering people to live epic lives. 

Follow Deinno O’Keefe on Instagram: www.instagram.com/deinno

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