How to break the habit of negative thinking

22 August 2025

Most of what you will think about today… you thought about yesterday. And the day before. Mastering a more positive, productive mindset requires a change of the mental script we run automatically. And it does take some practice.

Ever feel like you're running the same mental loop over and over? Like, no matter how much you try to “be positive,” you get dragged back into doubt, fear, or frustration? That’s not failure. That’s a habit.

Negative thinking becomes automatic. But automatic doesn’t mean permanent.

Here’s an insight

The thoughts you repeat become the beliefs you live by. And those beliefs shape everything: your habits, your actions, your identity.

The THINK Method helps you break the loop, not by forcing positivity, but by bringing conscious awareness to the pattern and choosing better thoughts on purpose.

As humans, we like to label ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ thoughts, but there is no point trying to ‘always think positively’. Those who preach wholly positive thinking are out of touch with their biology. We are hardwired to think all variety of thoughts because that’s how we survive. We are creative thinkers.

Add this to your toolbox

Pick one recurring thought this week that drags you down. Then, rewrite it using these filters:

• Is the recurring thought true?

• Is it helpful?

• Is it inspiring?

• Is it necessary?

• Is it kind?

Example 1: Thought: “I’ll never get this right.” New thought: “This is new for me, and it feels a bit awkward as I learn.”

Example 2: Thought: “I’m hopeless with money.” New thought: “I’m learning to make better choices, one step at a time.”

Reflection prompt

What’s one mental loop you’re ready to step out of, and what belief(s) do you want to replace it with?