How Can We Overcome Complaining?

Your job's stressful, the dog left a "present" on the carpet and a huge stack of bills are due -- it sometimes seems like there's an endless list of things to complain about. However good complaining may feel in the short term, it leaves you grouchy, bitter and unhappy. Learning to overcome complaining might not clean up the "present" your dog left on the carpet, but it improves your attitude and outlook on life, reducing stress and making you happier.

Instructions

• 1

  Resolve to stop complaining, tell yourself you no longer want to do it anymore.

• 2

  Recognize the other side to your complaints. The other side of "my job is stressful" is, "at least I have a job. After all, something had to pay for that new TV, my rent, groceries and more." Remind yourself of the things you have to be grateful for.

• 3

  Look for solutions to problems, instead of just complaining about them. If you're sick of your dog frequently going to the bathroom indoors, work toward a solution, such as further training. Focus on taking action on problems, instead of complaining.

• 4

  Accept some things are out of your control. For example, you can't control bad traffic.

• 5

  Tell a friend or loved one you'd like to stop complaining. This person can act as a reminder the next time you start complaining, getting you back on track. "But wait, I thought you said you weren't going to complain anymore?"