Tips for Dealing with a Negative Attitude
Try these tips for maintaining your balance when dealing with negative people. Your goal is not to “fix” the negative thinker, but rather to minimize the detrimental effect. Rephrase negative statements – Acknowledge the speaker’s point if it is a valid one, while reframing it in a neutral or positive context. Put it to good use – Pessimists often see problems before they catch the attention of the rest of us. Again, ignoring the negative aspersions let him or her provide a synopsis of the problem – along with possible solutions. Keep responsibility where it belongs – Another person’s discontent is not necessarily your problem. Ask the complainer what ideas he has for correcting the situation. Point out the obvious – The negative thinker views events from the perspective of how they affect him. It may not have occurred to him that others have been affected as well. Explain what you observed and the repercussions that followed. Be compassionate – Accept his feelings as legitimate, even if you disagree with his perspective. Take care of yourself – Everyone has limits. Set boundaries regarding what you will tolerate, and physically remove yourself when necessary. The negative attitude of one individual can have far-reaching effects of the people and situations around him. Negativity is a learned response that is within our power to change. In every moment, there is a choice to be made, and awareness is the first step. If you or someone in your life is prone to negative thinking, these steps can be a starting point to creating a more positive existence.