We all have a bias. It’s inevitable, and it’s natural. Sometimes, a bias is as simple as a preference. Other times it’s more about convenience, safety or comfort.
Here’s a critical bias: Negativity or positivity? Which one are you more prone to? There is no middle ground, no treading water, and no static zone. You are drifting in one direction or the other. And it’s easy to get sucked in — it’s contagious.
Study after study demonstrates the advantages of positivity over negativity. You can review three studies here. People who have a more positive outlook on life:
- Are generally happier.
- Live longer.
- Live healthier lives.
- Have a lower mortality rate from diseases like cancer.
- Operate better financially.
- Greater resistance to illnesses.
- Experience less stress and depression.
- Improves outcomes on brain tumors, strokes and brain injuries.
So why is it so easy to be negative? Why is one negative thought stronger than three positive thoughts? It’s where we allow our minds to dwell. If you want to do that 180, you don’t lie to yourself and, instead, address the situation rather than sweep it under the rug. Changing your trajectory means retraining your brain, which means changing how you think.
Living in a toxic lifestyle or toxic environment is destructive and tears down your self-esteem, productivity, and body. On the other hand, living in a positive and encouraging lifestyle can produce inspiring and long-lasting happiness and even prosperity — financially, physically and emotionally.
So which way are you leaning? Which way are you drifting? Remember, you can’t say I’m neutral. You’re moving in one direction or the other. The good news is that you can change your drift. And we can all improve our drift.
It’s a matter of focus, and the Bible gives us examples and instruction in Philippians 4:8 and Proverbs 17:22.
Which way are you drifting? Can you improve? Here are some suggestions.
Recognize and anticipate negative thoughts. Stop them in their tracks, and don’t take action on those thoughts. Instead, replace them with positive thoughts. When you hear something that drags you down, replace it with something that lifts you up. Romans 12:2 tells us to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Retrain your brain.
Where are the thoughts coming from? Scott Anderson says you are the product of three things: The people you associate with, the books you read and the media you watch. Cut off the negative avenues: Facebook and other social media, CNN/Fox, Negative Nellie friends and other influences. Replace them with positive impacts: Bible, church, encouraging friends, upbeat music and positive books and devotions. Change your circle, change your life — and your future.
Focus forward. Often, a negative mindset begins with a past failure or setback. Instead of dwelling on what once was, focus on what can be. Not on the worst that can happen, but on the positive that can occur. What would happen if you stopped thinking about what could go wrong and started thinking about what could go right?
Make a plan. Often, we get mired down in negative matters because we wallow in the pigpen. Don’t complain about what you allow. If something isn’t working out, try again or scrap it and do something different. What’s the first step? What’s the next step? Don’t stand still, and don’t sit idly by waiting on your ship to come in. Go out and meet it.
Pay it forward. The best way to take the focus of your woes is to help someone else. There are people around you who need your help. Pick one of those people and make their life better today.
Set goals. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re more likely to get stuck, be unhappy, and give up. Here’s the big question: When December 31 rolls around, what will you be most discouraged by if you have not accomplished it? Then, ask yourself: What can I do today to take the first step to reach that goal?
Refuse to play the victim. Take responsibility. Don’t blame anyone or anything else. Own it. Make a list of everything that is going right. Yes, write them down. Take care of yourself. Get your cheat sheet.
Control what you can control: Your attitude, words, and response to others and life. Smile, sing, walk faster, and tell yourself everything will be okay. You can’t control anything else.
This is not an easy process, to be sure. But you can change your bias, one step at a time. What can you do today to start the process?