Easy Methods for Blocking Negative Thoughts

After a moment of failure you often find yourself thinking thoughts such as "I'm such an idiot!" Or, "What a fool I am!" This type of negative thinking can only cause more harm to your continued success. It creates a fear of moving forward and sucks confidence from you, causing you to avoid trying new experiences in life. Thankfully, there are effective techniques to remove these negative thoughts.

Asking for the Truth

• Every person has automatic thoughts that help with decisions in life, but sometimes these thoughts are not true. Learn how to identify the automatic thoughts that are untrue. Begin by being aware of the negative thoughts you have, writing them down and asking yourself if they are valid. Dean Anderson, author at the Sparkpeople website, says to ask yourself, "What would have to be true in order for this conclusion to be justified?" This will lead you to realize how irrational the negative thoughts are.

Emotional Freedom Technique

• Dr. Vivian Lamphear explains on her website how her Emotional Freedom Technique can help negative thoughts to cease. She explains that saying a simple phrase while tapping on neurological pressure points can train your brain to accept yourself positively, rather than negatively. These pressure points are located on the face, and Lamphear says that by tapping these points and repeating statements like "Even though I missed an easy shot, I still completely accept myself," the negative thoughts are replaced in your brain by positive affirmation.

Argue With Yourself

• If it is difficult to determine if a negative thought is irrational, continue to ask yourself questions and to even argue with yourself to find the truth, suggests Anderson. Ask yourself if you are repeating a habit in your life, or if you are blowing a tiny incident out of proportion. Ask yourself if calling yourself names or constantly pointing out your faults is hurting you or helping you. These questions will help put things into perspective.

Be Uncomfortable

• Those suffering from negative thoughts should practice doing the opposite. Spending too much time dwelling on the root problems of your negative thoughts can sometimes amplify the emotions that go with them. Anderson explains that you can change negative thoughts into more realistic and rational options that will help you. When you catch yourself in a negative thought, stop thinking that thought, and make a decision to think the complete opposite. Because your mind has been trained to have automatic thoughts, this will not seem comfortable at first but the more that you do it, the more natural it will begin to feel.