How to Stop Negative Thoghts From Ruining Your Day

ASK YOURSELF: “IS THIS USEFUL?”
So, how do you decide which “projects” get funded? Barker says to ask yourself, “Is this useful?” It’s a tactic Barker learned from Joseph Goldstein, a Buddhist mindfulness expert. It’s designed to help you assess if a thought is serving you or others–or if it’s just irrational.

“If the worry is reasonable, do something about it,” Barker writes. “If it’s irrational or out of your control, recognize that. Neuroscience shows that merely making a decision like this can reduce worry and anxiety.”

This past week, I decided to put the strategy to the test. When negative thoughts (unsurprisingly) popped into my head, I challenged them with a peaceful, “Is this useful?” Pausing to ask that question did a few things: First, it forced me to climb out of my thoughts and see them from a new perspective. I became CEO of Haley’s Mind, Inc. My mission: To make sure thoughts bettered the company. Adopting that point of view made me more curious than concerned about what went on in my head.

TAKE BACK YOUR POWER
I’m definitely sticking with the “Is this useful?” tactic–and I’d recommend people with negative thoughts give it a try. But one thing I’ve learned as a “negative thought expert”: What works for one person might not work for everyone. Mindfulness, journaling, a classic early 2000s jam–there are lots of ways to combat negative thinking. It’s all about what works best for you.

However you manage your Mind, Inc., just know that you are in charge. And any unfriendly “employees”–aka negative thoughts–are yours to dismiss.

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