You can always think that you are bringing positivity and optimism to a group. However, if you display any of the red flags described below, you are doing the opposite of that. Negativity does not always mean rudeness or sarcasm, and it can occur in many ways.
A negative thinker may not realize it, but negativity is bad for both your emotional well-being and your health. They can cause negative thoughts about oneself, critical thoughts about those around us, and destructive behaviors. Also, it can cause high blood pressure, cortisol overproduction, and cause problems in your relationships.
Red flags that someone is a negative thinker
Difficult times will pass and unexpected obstacles will interfere with your plans. However, you cannot let your negative thoughts overwhelm you in these cases, because the future depends on your positivity. Be on the lookout for these red flags in yourself and others that you are being a negative thinker.
1. This person often says “it’s too good to be true”
Another phrase you might hear from them is something like, “It won’t last.” They close off all possibilities because they think that good things will never really come to them or to those around them. This type of mindset forces them to miss out on joy and happiness.
2. Negative thinkers live in the past
While the past is essential, it shouldn’t consume you all or cause stress and anxiety. For negative thinkers, however, they cannot get over what has happened before. It will keep them trapped in a cycle of repetition and discontent.
Instead, they should think about how their past situations shaped who they are today. They should think about what they have learned from it and how to avoid it in the future.
3. Negative thinkers are always judging other people.
If someone is always gossiping and making rude comments about others, they are likely a negative person. It may seem relatively harmless, but when it occurs regularly, it is a sign of negativity towards themselves and others.
Their overly critical personalities are a great red flag and something that doesn’t go away on its own. You may often wonder if they are saying bad things about you behind your back. The people in their lives will often wonder if they will ever be good enough, too.
4. They seem unable to accept compliments.
Many people have this problem and you will quickly notice it every time you hear they receive a compliment. They will downplay their accomplishments or tell you they don’t believe you when you offer them nice words.
This mindset causes people to miss out on the happiness and excitement of achievement. Also, it can ruin self-esteem because these people always think negatively about themselves.
5. They have trouble keeping friends or relationships.
Non-negative people don’t enjoy being around negative people . The constant negative comments can affect any relationship, causing the relationship to end. It is about how they present themselves and how they behave towards the person.
6. Negative people focus on the problem
Instead of thinking of a solution, a negative person will focus on the problem. They won’t be able to see a way to fix the problem and will keep bringing up negativity. Often they will be able to pinpoint where the failure occurred, but still won’t find a solution.
7. Those who think negatively are not enthusiastic about the future.
If someone is overly anxious about the future, they may be a negative person. Similarly, if you do nothing to change your future, it is also a sign. They don’t often explore new opportunities or work on skill development.
When a challenge arises, they often give up because they can’t process that the future can be better. Since they have already decided that it will not be better, they will do nothing to change it.
8. Those who think negative are too bossy.
Negative people like to control everything, and that includes the actions of others. They will try to tell you what to do in your life. Then they will have a negative opinion on every decision you make if it is not the decision they suggested.
Even in important situations in other people’s lives they will say something negative. From the home they buy to the job they choose, the negative person will step in. This is another sign that they have not solved their life problems and have a negative personality.
9. Those who think negatively are constantly hearing bad news.
They will always know the latest bad news about those around them and about the world in general. They often feed on alarming or shocking news, as it gives them something to talk about. They will keep you well informed on all the details, even if you are not interested.
Unfortunately, overexposure to negative news can hurt a person more than you think. It can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety.
10. Negative thinkers always complain
You will notice a person complaining or complaining about all aspects of life. These are negative people and they find every little detail to complain about.
They make it seem like everything happens just to ruin their day. This includes the weather and other things that no one can control. This person also often blames their “bad luck” on their boss or their education.
You may notice that they think they are never to blame. They will never admit that their lack of effort or creative energy is what is holding them back.
How to start being positive
1. Start and end each day with a positive thought
Starting the day with a positive thought can set the tone for the entire day. If you start with a positive idea, you will have a happy day. On the other hand, if you start negatively, you will have a gloomy day.
Tell yourself that it will be a good day and that you will be in a good mood. This will help you have the right mindset for positivity.
2. Find something positive in all situations
Unexpected situations or obstacles will occur no matter what. Remember to stay positive in these situations. You can do this by finding any silver lining, no matter how small.
The positive could be that you had time to listen to your favorite song on the radio. Another option is to find humor in a negative situation. No matter what it is, it will help you keep your thoughts positive.
3. Learn from your mistakes
We all make mistakes, so remember that the next time it happens to you. Instead of thinking negatively about it, use it as a learning opportunity. Make an action plan for next time so you don’t make the same mistake.
4. Eliminate negative self-talk and implement positive dialogue
You may not be aware of when negative self-talk starts. However, as soon as you see it, you must make a conscious decision to change it. For every negative thought, think of two positives about yourself.
5. Focus on the present moment
Don’t even focus on something that happened five or ten minutes ago. Focus only on this exact moment and make a change to make it positive. Negative thoughts often come from things that have happened before, so focusing on the present will eliminate that problem.
6. Surround yourself with positive people
Positivity is contagious, so when you surround yourself with positive people, you will become more positive. From them, you will hear positive comments and points of view, animated stories and positive affirmations. These words will affect you positively and you will come across similar thoughts.
Also, you need to get rid of other negative people in your life. Like positivity, negativity is also contagious. When negative people surround you, you cannot be more positive.
8. Learn to accept compliments
You may feel unpleasant at first, but force yourself to say “thank you” when someone compliments you. Don’t shrug your shoulders or tell them you don’t believe them. Also, don’t be convinced that his compliment had a negative meaning.
When you can do this, it will make you more positive. In addition, it will help you increase your self-esteem and confidence.
9. Stop listening to or reading negative news
Hearing negative news every day can affect your mental health. It can force you to think negatively and hinder your ability to be hopeful about the future. Limit your news intake if you think its content may be affecting you.
Final thoughts
Everyone experiences negative thoughts sometimes, but if you are a negative thinker, you will always have them. Positive people will accept everything that comes their way and will seek the best solution to problems. Try to focus on doing that if you find yourself having negative thoughts .
If you let negative thoughts take over your life, you will have a hard time reaching your goals. Use these ideas on how to change negativity so you can live a more fulfilling life. If you are not a negative thinker in your life, share these ideas with the person who is.