How to Break the Habit of Complaining and Negativity

Are you someone who often finds themselves complaining or having negative thoughts? It’s not uncommon to fall into this trap, and while it may provide temporary relief, it does not help us in the long run. In fact, it can hinder our progress and make us feel stuck. As the saying goes, our thoughts create our reality, so if we want to create a positive life, we need to change our thinking. Here are nine productive positive habits to replace your habit of complaining.

1. Practice gratitude.

Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help us shift our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. It’s a well-respected means for creating a happier life, and scientists have found that the habit of gratitude can reduce the symptoms of depression, increase well-being, and make us happier overall. Start by creating a gratitude list: write down all the things you are grateful for and add to it daily. You’ll find that it’s difficult to feel sad or sorry for yourself when you’re feeling grateful.

2. Praise others.

Just like the act of gratitude, making someone else happy by giving them praise and recognition will make you happier. Why not make someone else feel good and spread the joy around? Acknowledge all good deeds and recognize when someone has done a good job, both in work and at home. Why not thank your spouse for the meal they prepared or for the good job they did cleaning the kitchen? We all love praise and recognition for our efforts.

3. Focus on success.

The self-fulfilling prophecy claims that our lives will turn out just as we imagine. If we believe we will be successful, we will be. If we think poverty is our future, it probably will be. This is the reason people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to remain part of a disadvantaged group. They are primed to stay in the same circumstances. If you want to create a successful future, then stop complaining about your life and start focusing on success.

4. Let go.

Holding on to past regrets and hurts are of no benefit to our present life. Let go of things that are beyond your control and act on the things that you can control. As Lao Tzu said, “Living in the past is living with regret, living in the future is living with anxiety, living in the present is living in peace.”

5. Take responsibility.

Complainers are usually the people who play victim. Are you a victim of your circumstance, or are you in control of your own destiny? Rather than complain about your life, why not take steps to change it? Your future life is in your control; it’s up to you to take action.

6. Take action.

Very often, the people who sit around complaining are the ones who don’t take action. If you want to change your situation, you have to take action. Start small; ten minutes a day can help you make progress in working towards making your life happier and more successful.

7. Make a plan.

If you are not happy with the way things are and you have decided to take responsibility for changing it, you may welcome a plan to make things happen. It can be difficult to get started, so by writing everything down, you will have more clarity and focus. Use your calendar to schedule time, and you will be in a much stronger position from the start.

8. Exercise.

Creating the habit of exercise is a great way to shift from negative to positive. Exercise is good for you in so many ways, and it also acts as a catalyst for change. If you can bring exercise into your day, you will see how everything in your life will change for the better.

9. Happiness.

Lastly, don’t forget to focus on happiness. Happiness is within your grasp, and it starts with a decision. Decide to be happy now. If something makes you unhappier, don’t sit around complaining – do something about it. Focus on all the good in your life and do the things that make you happy now. There are plenty of ways to be happier and more productive instead of complaining.

In conclusion, changing a habit of complaining and negativity is not easy, but it’s definitely worth it. By practicing gratitude, praising others, focusing on success, letting go, taking responsibility, taking action, making a plan, exercising, and focusing on happiness, you will lead a more positive and fulfilling life. Remember, our thoughts create our reality, so let’s make sure our thoughts are positive ones.