Not only is it textured, negative thinking is thick out there.
Negative thinking cannot be band-aided into insignificance: it is a thick, multi-layered, multi-textured problem.
- Some people overtly express their CAN’T DO viewpoints.
- Some people covertly express their CAN’T DO viewpoints to coworkers, friends and family - when the boss ain’t there.
- Some people hide in their safe spots [from cubbyholes to bunkers], victims thinking and thinking and thinking CAN’T DO.
#1 people, sometimes, just need an attentive ear to hear them out. Their intentions may be OK-to-Good while their communication skillsets are not. Or, sometimes, these people are just having one of those bad days. It’s worth exploring to determine if hidden gems exist beneath the complaining crust. Sometimes – likely, often - #1 people are crying out for help. As Eckhart Tolle said, “Most people respond to a cry for help with a cry for help”. That pattern is broken when people respond to a cry for help with listening ears, seeing eyes and thinking brains.
#2 people carry on because insidious behavior enjoys company. But that company is only enjoyed when it is limited to people who support or at least grin and bear relentless rainstorms of complaints and criticism. When confident people enter the conversation negative thinking is challenged. The solution is in the zone of crisis/wake-up-call. Unfortunately, more often than not, when the crisis subsides or the alarm bell stops ringing the negative thinking returns and takes full control.
#3 people can be ticking time bombs…nowadays, we can take that literally as well as figuratively. These people defy but need intervention of some sort. Perhaps, they have the ability to snap out of their deep negativity? Perhaps, wise, kindly-delivered help will support the development and use of new good habits aimed at moving from negativity to positivity? Likely, most people do not possess the wisdom and skill required to assist people who possess deep-rooted/fear-filled negativity.
When you witness negativity, what do you think?
When you witness negativity, what do you do?
What if that negativity you witness is your own?