How To Break Free From A Negative Mindset In 5 Simple Steps
getty Are you stuck in a negative mindset and can’t seem to break free? It’s not hard to become mired in negativity these days.
When you feel you’re out of options, it’s easy to hit a wall and resign yourself to your situation, instead of looking at the possibilities.
But now, it’s time to get creative when it comes to dealing with negativity and how it affects your thoughts.
I know I wouldn’t be where I am right now without my personal coach. Jim Fortin is one of the world’s leaders in subconscious self-transformation.
He's created a formula to "master" your thoughts, and it will help you break free of the mindset "trap" that pins you in negative thoughts. According to Jim, in most situations, you’re not really stuck, it’s your mindset that’s on pause.
In reality, even when you feel you have no control, you can control your thoughts, because you are more than your thoughts.
The truth is, nothing outside yourself will make you happy. That relationship, that job, that city — whatever it is for you — the second it doesn’t go the way you want it to, you’re unhappy.
Why? Because you’re making something on the outside determine your internal happiness, an act that is completely counterproductive and leads to being in a negative mindset "trap."
Here are 5 simple steps to break free from a negative mindset.
1. Choose your "master thought."
The foundation of Jim’s formula is to have one master thought that drives the rest of your thinking.
Most people have one thought that all other thoughts come from. Often, it’s negative, leading to fear and depression.
Something like, "I can never be happy until..." or, "Nothing ever works out for me." As a result, you wind up feeling trapped.
But you have the power over your master thought, so if yours has you down, choose a new one. Try focusing on the positive and changing your outlook.
2. Recognize negativity in your thoughts.
Negativity often comes to you unconsciously. You won’t usually recognize this thought pattern until you’re in a negative place. From there, you wind up looking for your thoughts to be true and find yourself in a mindset trap.
How do you know when you’re headed there? Remember that you feel like you think.
In order to recognize negativity, be aware of your feelings. Replace your current thoughts with those that support you, instead of those that lead to you to a place of fear. With practice, you’ll interpret your life differently.
3. Construct your thinking.
In order to change your thought pattern, you need to think about how you think.
Right now, you may be going through a hard time. Your identity may be changing. Maybe it’s a divorce or a job change, or even the global pandemic.
Jim believes that bad stuff doesn’t happen, but rather we make interpretations about what happens. The truth is, nothing means anything except the meaning that you give it.
Take time to construct your thinking. Start with your conversations. Don’t let them go down a negative path. Instead, spin every conversation in a positive light.
4. Create your identity.
It’s time to focus on a positive self-image. To do so, you need to believe you are what you want to be.
According to Jim, there are two different types of identity. One identity is assured and confident. The other identity works from circumstance. The first identity creates their world, the second identity is being molded by it.
Don’t let the circumstances around you determine how you feel. Instead, create your identity, intention, and the energy you put out into the world.
5. Change your beliefs.
We all read people subconsciously. If your negative thoughts show up in encounters with others, they will feel it.
Instead, you have to manage the energy you bring to any situation — be it a date, an interview, or a sales pitch. This starts by changing your beliefs.
It’s important to understand that your environment is your beliefs objectified. For example, if you want to know what you believe about relationships, look at your relationship history. This is a reflection of what you believe.
In order to change your negative beliefs, you need to change. When you accept 100-percent responsibility for your life, you can change what you believe about yourself and the world.
This thought formula will help you shift your thinking and control your negative mindset and outlook. From there, you’ll be able to break free of the mindset trap that’s holding you back, and start to see you’re never really stuck.
Hilary DeCesare is the Founder and CEO of The ReLaunch Co. She’s appeared on ABC’s The Secret Millionaire and on major news outlets such as CBS, ABC, Fox, Huffington Post, and Yahoo, and offers several ReLaunch courses and coaching. To connect with her directly or for media requests please email her!