Alternatively to the Negativity Focus On This Instead
October 28, 2023
In the past few months, I have witnessed a surge of negativity all around. Countries waging wars, job losses, and numerous other challenges. What I've come to realize is that in a world inundated with news, social media updates, and personal challenges, it's all too easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of negativity. The relentless exposure to pessimism can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being. I found myself getting affected due to all the negative things around. In this blog, I want to draw my readers' attention to this topic. Namaste and welcome to 'A Piece of My Learning.'
Negativity surrounds us, from the daily news filled with reports of conflicts and disasters to social media platforms that often serve as breeding grounds for criticism and complaints. While there has been an increase in positive media and posts recently, negative news and media still dominate. It's easy to become absorbed in this negativity, eroding our sense of optimism and hope.
This not only leaves us stressed and anxious but also makes us worry about things beyond our control. Let me provide you with an example. I work in the technology sector, and in recent months, there have been many layoffs in the tech industry. Most of these layoffs were not based on merit or performance but were reactions to the dwindling economy. I'm sure many people, like me, have been stressed and worried about losing their livelihoods. Furthermore, we were stressed and worried about things beyond our control.
In such situations, what should we do? Here are some strategies I recently read about related to this topic. There are certainly steps like limiting your exposure to news and media, but beyond that, I'd like to share two steps that could potentially help you.
Our mindset plays a pivotal role in how we experience life. When we focus on the negative and uncontrollable, we feed our anxiety, stress, and pessimism. On the other hand, adopting a positive perspective allows us to embrace life's uncertainties and turn them into opportunities.
Positive thinking doesn't mean ignoring problems or pretending they don't exist. Instead, it involves acknowledging the difficulties and seeking solutions without dwelling on what we can't change. This mindset shift can significantly impact our overall well-being.
Let's consider an example. Imagine you're a student preparing for a crucial exam. You know that the exam's difficulty is beyond your control, and worrying about it won't change anything. Instead of focusing on the negative aspect of that, you can think of this exam as an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You can view it as a step closer to your academic and career goals.
I'd like to share another example that I've seen many of my friends struggle with. Imagine you have a demanding job, and you're feeling overwhelmed by the workload and office politics. Rather than dwelling on the negative and uncontrollable aspects, you can shift your focus and recognize that your job is an opportunity for growth and development. Instead of seeing your workload as a burden, consider it a chance to improve your skills and expertise.
Focusing on the positive and controllable aspects of life is a powerful strategy for improving your mental and emotional well-being.
Stephen R. Covey, in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," introduced the concept of the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Influence. The Circle of Concern encompasses all the things we worry about, from global issues to personal problems. However, many of these concerns are beyond our control. In contrast, the Circle of Influence includes things that we can actually change or influence.
Focusing on the Circle of Influence means directing your energy and attention toward the aspects of life that you have the power to alter. This shift in focus empowers you to make a difference in your own life and the lives of others.
In the former example, instead of focusing on the negative aspect of the exam's difficulty, you can create a balanced schedule and stick to it, ensuring you cover all the necessary material.
In the latter example, instead of focusing on the Circle of Concern, you can focus on the Circle of Influence. You can create a to-do list, prioritize tasks, and break them into manageable chunks. You can also communicate with your supervisor about your workload or ask for additional resources or support.
These have been my learnings and implementations. If you have your own ways of focusing on the right things, please share them in the comments below.
The Pervasive Nature of Negativity
Negativity surrounds us, from the daily news filled with reports of conflicts and disasters to social media platforms that often serve as breeding grounds for criticism and complaints. While there has been an increase in positive media and posts recently, negative news and media still dominate. It's easy to become absorbed in this negativity, eroding our sense of optimism and hope.
This not only leaves us stressed and anxious but also makes us worry about things beyond our control. Let me provide you with an example. I work in the technology sector, and in recent months, there have been many layoffs in the tech industry. Most of these layoffs were not based on merit or performance but were reactions to the dwindling economy. I'm sure many people, like me, have been stressed and worried about losing their livelihoods. Furthermore, we were stressed and worried about things beyond our control.
In such situations, what should we do? Here are some strategies I recently read about related to this topic. There are certainly steps like limiting your exposure to news and media, but beyond that, I'd like to share two steps that could potentially help you.
The Power of Perspective
Our mindset plays a pivotal role in how we experience life. When we focus on the negative and uncontrollable, we feed our anxiety, stress, and pessimism. On the other hand, adopting a positive perspective allows us to embrace life's uncertainties and turn them into opportunities.
Positive thinking doesn't mean ignoring problems or pretending they don't exist. Instead, it involves acknowledging the difficulties and seeking solutions without dwelling on what we can't change. This mindset shift can significantly impact our overall well-being.
Let's consider an example. Imagine you're a student preparing for a crucial exam. You know that the exam's difficulty is beyond your control, and worrying about it won't change anything. Instead of focusing on the negative aspect of that, you can think of this exam as an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. You can view it as a step closer to your academic and career goals.
I'd like to share another example that I've seen many of my friends struggle with. Imagine you have a demanding job, and you're feeling overwhelmed by the workload and office politics. Rather than dwelling on the negative and uncontrollable aspects, you can shift your focus and recognize that your job is an opportunity for growth and development. Instead of seeing your workload as a burden, consider it a chance to improve your skills and expertise.
Focusing on the positive and controllable aspects of life is a powerful strategy for improving your mental and emotional well-being.
Understanding the Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence
Stephen R. Covey, in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," introduced the concept of the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Influence. The Circle of Concern encompasses all the things we worry about, from global issues to personal problems. However, many of these concerns are beyond our control. In contrast, the Circle of Influence includes things that we can actually change or influence.
Focusing on the Circle of Influence means directing your energy and attention toward the aspects of life that you have the power to alter. This shift in focus empowers you to make a difference in your own life and the lives of others.
In the former example, instead of focusing on the negative aspect of the exam's difficulty, you can create a balanced schedule and stick to it, ensuring you cover all the necessary material.
In the latter example, instead of focusing on the Circle of Concern, you can focus on the Circle of Influence. You can create a to-do list, prioritize tasks, and break them into manageable chunks. You can also communicate with your supervisor about your workload or ask for additional resources or support.
These have been my learnings and implementations. If you have your own ways of focusing on the right things, please share them in the comments below.
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