5 Reasons Why Negative Thinking is Dangerous
:: Tara Alexandra
It’s no secret that entrepreneurs are generally a positive bunch.
Sure, we all have our ups and downs, but generally speaking, I would say that true entrepreneurs are an optimistic bunch. You kind of need to be to thrive in this lifestyle and to survive on this planet ;).
They see opportunity where others see obstacles.
They embrace change and make the most of it.
They think outside the box because they don’t feel limited by any boxes, competition, a disastrous economy, or a world careening out of control.
But there’s one type of thinking that entrepreneurs should avoid at all costs: negative thinking.
Here are five reasons why negative thinking is dangerous and destructive:
1. It makes you feel powerless. When you’re always focused on the negative, it’s easy to feel like you can’t control your own life. This can lead to anxiety and depression, as well as a sense of helplessness. These attributes continue to skyrocket in societies around the world. It’s epidemic.
Tara’s extra tip: Stop giving away your power. While you can’t control most things in your life, you can certainly control your thoughts. It’s not easy and it can take time to re-anchor, and re-establish thought patterns to build new neural circuitry, but it can be done. People do it every single day.
2. It’s energy-sapping. Constantly dwelling on negative thoughts takes a lot of mental energy. This can leave you feeling tired and unmotivated, which can impact your work performance and personal life. If you sap your mental energy, you sap your physical energy. The mind informs the body.
Tara’s extra tip: Save your energy and focus it on things you want!
3. It creates self-fulfilling prophecies. If you’re always expecting the worst, chances are that’s what you’ll get. This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy that only serves to make your life harder.
Tara’s extra tip: Why not expect the best? It’s so much more enjoyable to do that!
4. It’s contagious. Just like laughter, negativity is also contagious. If you’re around people who are always pessimistic, it’s only natural for their outlook on life to rub off on you. Steer clear. Someone else’s negativity can start influencing your thoughts and viewpoint.
Tara’s extra tip: No one wants that awfulness in their life. People like people who are happy and upbeat. Choose new thoughts and watch your life change.
5. It affects your physical health. Negative thinking has been linked to physical health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure and a whole host of other life-jeopardizing illnesses. So if you want to stay healthy, it’s important to keep those negative thoughts in check!
Tara’s extra tip: The sooner you start, the better. Don’t be in your 50s, 60s and beyond and still entertaining negativity. It’s not going to serve you well as you grow older.
Bottom line: underlying all of this is your mind.
Every single thought creates a new neural pathway in your brain.
And the more you think it, feel it, communicate it to others, journal about it — you reinforce that same thought. You strengthen that neural circuitry.
It’s good for you if it’s a positive thought.
And, well, it’s not so good if it’s not.
Think before you think. Choose what you want to build in your brain and, thus, your future.
Will every day be perfect? No. Perfection is a myth designed to keep you feeling inferior. Time to set that aside — permanently.
Is it reasonable to think you can only think positive thoughts? No. You’re human.
But you can certainly filter what you allow into your own eyes and ears. You can move away from negative people and situations. You have more control than you think.
Your mental, emotional, and physical well-being are dependent on it.
Take charge and move your life in the direction of your desires. Thought by thought!
Always Watching Out for You,
Tara Alexandra
