When bad things happen to you, are you surprised? Or did you think it was bound to happen sooner or later?
If you often fight negative thinking, a recording in the back of your mind might play things like, “I knew this would never work out,” or “Of course I didn’t get that promotion. I’m a fraud and everyone knows it.” This negative type of thinking about your worth and your capabilities can prevent you from aiming higher in life. It causes you to imagine a future filled with setbacks and heartaches—a mediocre life that doesn’t come close to what you’re capable of. It can also kill the confidence you need to build a successful life.
If you often feel down, suffer anxiety, lack confidence or are fearful about your future, you know exactly how destructive these negative thoughts can be. In the midst of an ordinary day, you’ve probably had a negative thought pop into your mind, and it can be tough to shake the emotions that result. Often this happens subconsciously. You don’t even realize you’ve been thinking negatively until you notice that your mood has changed.
So, if you’re aware of the fact that thinking defeating thoughts is destructive, why do you do it?
The answer to that question is simple. Your thoughts are habitual, and bad habits can be hard to break. In fact, thinking negative thoughts can be very addictive.
That being said, you can break the habit of negative thinking. Actually, you can use your habitual nature to do it. You see, we are creatures of habit, but this doesn’t have to be our undoing. Although it’s true that bad habits develop all too easily, you can also develop good ones. You can form a habit of thinking positively.
For example, if you struggle with low self-esteem, thoughts about being worthless and incapable might pop into your head. You have a choice. You can just accept those thoughts, or you can tell yourself that you are valuable and capable. At first you’ll have to do this every time a negative thought about your worth comes to mind, but after a while it will become more habitual, and your thoughts toward yourself will begin to change. Gradually you’ll stop seeing yourself negatively, and positive thoughts about yourself will become a natural result.
This week, don’t tolerate negative thoughts. Start to replace the lies you’ve been tossing around in your mind. Whenever a self-defeating thought surfaces, replace it with something positive, and watch as your confidence and self-worth begin to rise.
Leon Fontaine is internationally renowned for his ability to equip people with skills for life. He is the CEO of Miracle Channel and senior pastor of Springs, a contemporary church with six campuses across Western Canada. Visit www.leonfontaine.com for more great articles as well as weekly videos and podcasts. Email your comments to [email protected].
