Sometimes, things just don’t go your way.
Maybe it’s something as minimal as being stuck in traffic during rush hour, or something more serious. Either way, the situation is out of your hands. And it can get rather frustrating when you don’t have control over the negative situations you’re placed in. Some people might even feel helpless and allow the negativity to take full control because they figure, “nothing can be done.”
But I’ll let you in on a little secret.
There is plenty you can and should do to fight whatever negativity comes your way. You may not be able to change the situation you’re in, but you can change your perspective on the issue. And once you take control of “how” you react to certain situations, the situation will no longer control you. But keep in mind that this take conscientious effort, so below we have listed a few practices you should try the next time life throws you a curve ball.
1) Address the Issue: You need to first admit to yourself that you’re not happy with how the situation is. This is probably one of the hardest things for people to do because it brings attention to the fact that something is wrong in your life that needs addressing. It can also be difficult because it forces the person to analyze themselves to truly understand what is bothering them. This takes some soul searching. For example, think to yourself, “Am i really upset because of “X”, or am I more upset about “Y,” and I’m just carelessly misplacing my frustration?” Doing this also gets you out of the habit of wishing and hoping things were different, and makes you realize the true problem so you can tackle the issue head on.
2) Choose to be positive: Bad things happen in life. It’s not always going to be a good day. But if you can train your brain to not immediately turn to anger and frustration when things don’t go your way, then it will make the world of difference. Also, keep in mind that you get absolutely nothing out of staying negative other than fostering more negative thoughts. Why not try thinking positively with the hopes that it will foster positive thoughts and outcomes? It definitely wouldn’t hurt to try. In fact, it will make things a whole lot better!
3) When one door closes..: Sometimes bad thing happen, but they happen for a reason.Try to think about what positive outcomes may come out of the bad circumstance. Try to imagine the following scenario: You tried your hardest at an interview for what you thought was your “dream job,” but find out you didn’t make the cut. Instead of dwelling on that fact, choose to be optimistic and consider this a blessing because now you can learn from the situation and adapt accordingly. Realize that if you didn’t get the job, it’s because it was not the right fit for you. You’re better off learning from any mistakes you may have made, making the necessary changes, growing as an individual, and moving onto bigger and better things! Rather than thinking of situations like this as a missed opportunity, think of it as a situation worth missing. It wasn’t meant to be, and you’re better off when you choose to change your perception of a situation because it makes you grow into a better person.
4) Positivity is contagious: You are who you spend your time with. If you want to be more optimistic, surround yourself with positive people. We as human beings tend to mimic those we surround ourselves with and those we aspire to be like. It’s a form of basic survival. Start associating yourself with positive people, and eventually, you will develop a better way of coping with negative situations.
5) Make room for positivity in your daily routine: You need to dedicate time each day to be, think, and feel happy, as hokey as that may sound. Why? Because if you’re not naturally or currently a positive person, you need to make the effort to have positive thoughts to counteract any negative ones. Once you start doing it each day it’ll eventually become second nature. Doing this will also get you to be active, not passive when it comes to your emotions and outlook on life. Lastly, instilling this habit into your daily routine will get you to appreciate all that you do have.
So the next time something just isn’t going your way, or is just downright irksome, approach it with a fresh and optimistic perspective. And take whatever energy you typically put into dwelling on the negative and focus it in a more positive and productive direction. ✌️