Why Do I Think the Worst

Are you one of those people? Do you say to yourself ‘why do I think the worst’? By this I mean, do you expect the worst case scenario to happen? Do you always think the worst of people?

You’re not a bad person, neither are you alone. It’s a completely normal reaction for most people, to think the worst. Our minds have a habit of fixing themselves on the worst possible outcome, against our own better judgement.

Does this scenario feel familiar; You have completed some work for your boss and sent it to them. You expect a quick reply, but when it doesn’t happen you start to assume they were not happy with the work, right?

If this has happened, what was the actual outcome? It’s more likely that your boss got sidetracked and didn’t have time to reply, or didn’t have time to check the work. I can guarantee that’s a more logical reason for the delay.

Another scenario; have you ever been expecting a call from a loved one and it’s not happened? I bet all kinds of wild things run through your mind. Yet, 9 times of out 10 it’s something perfectly reasonable for the missing call.

So why do we put ourselves through the mental torture and anxiety of conjuring up these worst case scenarios? We could sure save ourselves a lot of stress by just thinking more positively. But then that sets us up for a bigger disappointment, should the worse happen.

Psychology of Positive Thinking

Understanding the psychology of positive thinking can help us meet these bad thoughts at the root cause. People with an optimistic outlook and think positively do so to take credit when things go well. Typically blaming forces out of their control when things go bad.

Looking at the bad outcomes as out of your control removes you from the blame. There are some ups and downs to this mindset, but it’s a more positive approach than taking the blame firmly on your own shoulders.

The Health Benefits to Thinking Positive

There are a some health benefits to thinking positively, not just mental , but physical. These include:

• Longer life expectancy.
• Lower stress levels.
• Less depression and associated symptoms.
• Improved physical well-being.

All of the health benefits, and more and mostly the result of positive thinking people being less stressed, and suffering from depression less. These are two very difficult and taxing conditions on the mental and physical health of a person.

Developing Positive Attitude

There is a lot of different approaches to developing a positive attitude, but here are some of the most simple steps to get you started:

Focus on the Now

Too many people focus on the past, or the present. Don’t be afraid to live in the now and take control of your life. Focus on the present and stop worrying about what’s happened, or may happen.

Use Positive Words

Sounds simple, and it is. Which means it’s easy to do, and it’s effective. Stop complaining and being negative, talk to yourself in a positive manner and you’ll see the results follow.

Accept You Can’t Control Everything

Coming to terms with the fact that you can’t control everything will liberate you and allow you to feel free and happy. Be positive, and if something that you couldn’t control doesn’t work out, it’s not your fault.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

If you’re not surrounding yourself with positive people how do you intend to be positive? We are all strongly influenced by people around us, whether we like it or not. Find those positive people, and be positive with them.

Be Appreciative and Grateful

Take a look around you and be grateful for what you have, because I can guarantee you you should be. Don’t sweat the small stuff, look at where you live and the people around you. I bet you have a lot to be grateful for. This attitude will help you appreciate your life more.