Nancy was tired of feeling and looking on the negative side. She wanted to make a change in how she spoke and begin reframing her thoughts. But she needed help and practical suggestions, so she asked her life coach for advice. Her coach recommended that she begin by using some of these ideas…
Keep A Negative Thought Journal
Although it might sound odd, the first step to learning on how to reframe your thoughts is to become aware of them. Try keeping a journal with you and write down every negative thought you have for a day or two.
If that sounds too difficult, you can keep a negative thought scorecard. With this method, you don’t have to write down the thought. You just make a tally mark for each negative thought you have. At the end of the day, your true number might surprise you.
Ask A Supportive Friend If It’s True
Sometimes, the easiest way to become aware of which thoughts need to be reframed is to ask a supportive friend if that particular thought is accurate. For example, you might ask a friend, “Will I always be stuck in a job I hate?” or “Will I always be unhappy in my relationship?”
When you ask a friend for this kind of feedback, choose a friend that’s known for their honesty as well as their kindness. Positive friends can be a wonderful way to learn about reframing your thoughts.
Look for Patterns
As you’re examining negative thoughts and seeking to become better at reframing them, pause to look for patterns, too. For example, Nancy found that she was more likely to give in to negative thinking after a long day with no self-care.
For you, unhealthy thought patterns can be triggered by stress, unhealthy eating habits, poor sleep quality, and toxic relationships. Often, correcting these patterns can lead to reframing your thoughts in a more positive light.
Call It What It Is
Many people carry around stories in their head about who they are and what their life is like. For example, you may have a story in your head that says you’re too dumb to go back to school.
But, sometimes reframing involves recognizing a story we keep carrying around. This frees you to examine if it’s true or if it’s merely a self-limiting belief you picked up somewhere along the way.
Nancy began using these tips to reframe her negative thoughts. She was surprised at how quickly it created a ripple effect in every area of her life, including her relationships, business, and health.
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