How Does Negative Thinking Influence Self-Esteem?

Our thoughts have great power. They are able to shape us in one way or another. Our thoughts influence the way we view the world. If we think negatively, we give off a negative “vibe,” and we might view the world as a negative place. These negative feelings and thoughts are especially likely to be repeated when you are not feeling well or having a bad time.

It is important that you pay attention to these thoughts and be aware of them. They exist and put you down, even unconsciously. Negative thinking can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Again, the thinking does not have to be true. It is useful however, if you do some analysis and decide whether there is any truth in your negative thought patterns.

If you have the feeling of being stupid or a jerk and nobody will ever like you, think about it: would you say that to another person? If not, why do you keep saying it to yourself?

To avoid negative thoughts, you must replace them with more positive thoughts and ways of thinking. Thoughts create feelings, and feelings create emotions. Emotions then create behaviors. Do you see where negative thinking might go? It might not be easy, but there are definitely some ways to change this negativity.

The influence of others could offer valuable help. Ask someone who likes you, and whose judgment you trust, what they think about whatever the negative thought is. Their perspective could really help interrupt the continuation of this negative thinking.

Negative thoughts are connected to negative words. Stop using them. Replace them with positive expressions. “No, never, don’t, worried, would, should,” can be replaced by “I, me, my, happy, could, and would be nice”. The positive thought(s) should be repeated over and over to take the place of negative feelings.

It is interesting, but even body language or a facial expression has an effect on our mood and feelings. In a research study, people were asked to hold a pencil between their lips (which is similar to the facial expression of sadness) or between their teeth (which actually makes them smile). Those people in the study who had a forced smile actually felt much better and experienced far more positive thoughts and judgments.

Smiling reduces stress and anxiety, makes you look more attractive to others, changes your mood for the better, and releases hormones in your body that are associated with good feelings.

Negative feelings about ourselves and negative thinking in general consume a great deal of our energy. Remember, this energy can be put to better use instead of making you feel even worse than you actually do.

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