The Trap Of Negativity

Have you discovered the trap of negativity? It’s able to grip quickly and pull you down without much warning.

I’ve found my caught in it’s grip more than I’d like to admit. Have you?

Why Negativity Has So Much Power

Negativity multiplies when focused upon. The choice is ours: Which do we want more of?
— Julia Cameron

You’d be amazed at the power negativity has. Once it takes hold, it’s easy to spiral into a cycle of negativity.

I find myself wondering why this happens. I think I found an answer.

Scientific studies show that negativity is contagious.

There’s power behind negativity. It’s able to quickly multiple when someone starts the ball rolling.

Just think of a time when you entered a room happy only to have someone state a complaint. It was easy to join in and find something to complain about, wasn’t it?

How Negativity Affects Your Leadership

Negativity is expensive. It costs companies millions of dollars each year.
— Gary Topchik

Negativity has a huge impact on your effectiveness as a leader. Whether it be at your workplace or in your home.

  • No one enjoys being around a negative person: Do you know any negative people? Take a look at their life. Do they have a lot of friends? Are they experiencing much success? Probably not. It’s hard to be around a negative person. They sap the energy from the room and replace it with a despair. Eventually killing any joy. Negativity repels people and reduces the amount of influence you have. Thus reducing your level of leadership.
  • People become afraid of you: If you’re always negative and shooting down ideas, people are going to become afraid of you. Nothing will ever be good enough and your team knows it. They’ll pull back and do just the minimum. No need in getting chewed out for trying something new.
  • You’ll get tuned out: As you pile on the negativity, people begin to tune out. The constant barrage of negativity creates a wall. And you’re on the silenced side.

Negativity is a state of mind you need to cut.

How To Stop Being Negative

The best way of removing negativity is to laugh and be joyous.
— David Icke

I want to tell you it’s easy to stop being negative and become positive. If I did, I’d be a liar.

Breaking the negativity mindset is hard. It’s painful. And it takes time.

In fact, I’m working on becoming less negative. I’m struggling with it. But I’d like to share some things I’m learning.

  • Learn to curb negative speech: A lot of the negativity we face comes from the way we speak. We speak negative words more than we realize. Learning to curb negative speech can really change our perspective. When you feel a negative word forming, stop it. Decide to make it into a positive.
  • Surround yourself with positive people: This will be difficult at first. Especially if you’re a very negative person. To be honest, positive people don’t want to be around negative people. They know it will drag them down. Begin forming friendships with those that you see as positive. Work your way into their circles. As you become more positive, you’ll discover more positive people will want to be around you.
  • Stop consuming negative material: Examine what you’re reading or listening to. Is it positive and uplifting? If not, it’s a good sign you need to rid yourself of the negative books or music. Replace it with something positive.

Becoming a positive person takes time and hard work. Don’t get discourage if you fall back into old habits as you embark on the journey to positivity. If you persist, you will succeed at becoming positive.

Question: How have you overcome the trap of negativity? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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