Thinking These Self-Sabotaging Thoughts Will Halt Happiness
Most of us go through times when we have trouble getting our thoughts and actions to align with our intentions. When that happens, it can hinder our happiness. It gets in the way of our happiness because we focus on what’s wrong, what’s missing, or get stuck in the negativity of the situation instead focusing on and looking for the positives.
Do any of these self sabotaging thoughts sound like you?
- “I Am Too (Blank)”
Anytime you start a thought with, I am “too” anything you get into trouble. People often worry about things that no one else ever thinks about or notices. Here how to turn those thoughts around. For example, if you find yourself saying you’re too fat, too dumb, too short — see if you can flip it around. There’s always someone who’s more (blank – whatever your thing is) than you. What’s more, chances are that whatever you’re struggling with right now is helping you to become a better or healthier person.
- “I’ll Do That When I (Blank)”
You’ve probably said it before to yourself. “I’ll do that when I lose 20 pounds.” “I’ll do that when I give up sugar.” “I’ll do that when I master my emotional eating.” You know the drill. You can go to school, travel, start a business, have a baby, whatever you want – don’t allow that thing in the blank to get in your way. If you do need to do it, just make a step-by-step plan to get it done.
- “I Can’t Do (Blank)”
You may have heard your child, or yourself, or someone else state that “I can’t do math.” Or “I can’t cook.” The truth is, no one can do anything at first. They have to learn how to do it. No one just pops out of the womb knowing how to cook, write, read, do math, or make a million dollars. Anyone can learn whatever they want to learn given the time and dedicated effort to learn it.
- “I Should (Blank)”
Have you ever heard the phrase “stop shoulding on yourself?” Not only is it a bad idea to create “shoulds” for yourself, but it tears you down, makes you feel burdened, and like you can’t ever catch up.
- “In the Past (Blank)”
Don’t dwell on the past. Not what you did – or they did. Or what things were like. Focusing on the past won’t help you overcome self-sabotage. While it’s okay to learn from the past, and in fact you should, it’s not okay to use it as an excuse not to move forward. Remember you are only in charge of yourself.
- “In the Future (Blank)”
Just like you do not want to focus on the past you also don’t want to be overly focused on tomorrow, next week, or even “later.” Today, this moment really, is all you have for sure. Stay focused on today and let tomorrow take care of itself.
- “If I Was More Like (Blank)”
Never compare yourself to someone else in a negative way. It’s okay to look at what someone has accomplished, learn how to do it too, and follow their footsteps but don’t wish yourself away as only you can be you.
Whenever you find you’re focused on a negative aspect of any situation, try to turn your mind around to focus on the positives. It’s not about trying to make every negative situation a good one – that’s impossible. Learn from the negative situations. Do the best that you can. Realize that bad times are normal and natural. It’s how you deal with those moments that leads to more happiness.
