Today, let’s dive into a topic that’s as important as remembering to water your plants: protecting your mindset from an onslaught of negativity.
We’ve all encountered those Debbie Downers and Pessimistic Petes who seem to suck the joy out of life faster than a vacuum cleaner on overdrive. But it is essential to protect your mindset, if you are to be your best self. Here are a 5 things I found really useful. It takes practice but it’s worth it!
1. Fortify Your Mental Castle: Picture your mind as a majestic castle perched atop a hill, surrounded by a moat filled with positivity (and maybe a few metaphorical crocodiles). Now, imagine negative people like invaders trying to breach your fortress. Your most powerful weapon here is awareness. Recognize when negativity is seeping in and deploy your mental drawbridge, raising it high to keep those naysayers at bay. This is not about being cold-hearted, it’s self-preservation of something wonderful, i.e. you and your life at its best, and you can do it respectfully. What do you need to do today to help strengthen your mind? It’s useful to write it down.
Keep in mind that it takes a lot more effort for someone to miss than it does to land a punch. What if, by being aware of the situation, you choose NOT to engage in or allow for elaboration of negativity? There’s only so much energy someone has to keep dishing it out, so step out of the way and it will lose power eventually. For example, don’t ask questions that you know will allow for negative answers!
2. Master the Art of Redirecting Conversations: Ah, the classic art of changing the subject faster than a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. When faced with a barrage of negativity, why not redirect the conversation to something lighter? You could lead in with “Interesting” (to acknowledge respectfully) and then redirect to something more positive. This could even be something as simple as commenting in the weather or a nice painting in the room. Just change the direction of negative energy.
3. Inject Some Humour: Laughter is the best medicine. So, why not sprinkle a generous dose of humour into your interactions with negative Nancy? Lighten the air and mood to disarm the negativity bomb before it detonates.
4. Practice the Fine Art of Boundary Setting: Boundaries – the unsung heroes of interpersonal relationships. Don’t be afraid to assert your boundaries when dealing with negativity. Again, it’s healthy self-preservation. Boundaries are not barbed wire barriers, they are clear lines that allow people to understand what’s acceptable to you and what’s not. It allows for clarity.
Note to club members: Learn to say no and value your time by watching this video HERE
5. Surround Yourself with Positive People: Surround yourself with people who radiate positivity. Seek out people who lift you up, inspire you, and remind you that life is too short to dwell in the doldrums. This doesn’t just apply to meeting new peope physcially, although that certainly helps and should be part of your goal, you can listen to positive podcasts, watch positive YouTube clips, etc. The only mindset that grows is the one you nurture!
You are the gatekeeper of your own happiness, so step up, stay positive, stay resilient, and never underestimate the power of being authentic and true to yourself.
One step every day can change your life.
Live FULLY!
Donna