Negativity affects your life on every level. It has the power to ruin relationships, decrease work performance, and increase stress levels. The good news is that you can fight it by changing your mindset.

Not sure where to start? Check out these simple, effective ways to protect yourself from negativity:

Don’t Take It Personally

Most people act in a certain way based on their previous experiences, or current circumstances. Perhaps your colleague got burned in the past with someone taking credit for his work, so now he doesn’t trust the team anymore. That doesn’t mean he has something against you personally. He has lost trust in people in his work environment in general.

Try not to take things personally. If someone is misjudging you, do what you can to prove to them that they are wrong. Be kind and authentic rather than stressing over it. You can’t change everyone’s opinion or perception, so do what you can to not take it personally and remember – it’s more about them than it is about you.  As Rachel Hollis is often quoted saying – “Someone else’s opinion of you is none of your business.”

Set Boundaries

No matter how hard you try, you’ll never be able to please everyone. On the contrary – there will always be new demands and ways to take advantage of your kindness and generosity. That can undermine your self-esteem and keep you from focusing on your own priorities.

Your time, energy and brain space are valuable commodities, and you have to protect them. Learn to say no and set clear boundaries around your time and your energy. If someone reacts negatively or tries to hurt you as a result, move on. That person isn’t worth your time or attention.

A true friend will understand that you have other important things to do and that you’re not available around the clock. Be honest about what you need.

Adopt a Positive Mindset

Be grateful for what you have and then seek ways to achieve more. Start a gratitude journal and write a few things every day. That will reinforce positive thinking patterns and reduce negativity. They can be small moments or big things, but the habit of being intentionally grateful each day will have a dramatic impact on your mindset.

Your positive attitude will also inspire others and strengthen your relationships. The more you focus on the good in your life, the more opportunities will arise.

Find Solutions, Not Problems

Most people tend to focus on the problems they are facing instead of actively seeking solutions. That can result in feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction.

Whenever you have a problem, take the steps needed to solve it. The longer you wait, the more obstacles you’ll face along the way.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

Stay away from people who make a drama out of everything. They’re only wasting your time and energy. Their negativity will affect you sooner or later.

Surround yourself with positivity. Build relationships with people who encourage you, support you and lift you up.

Focus on whatever makes you happy and stop feeding the negativity around you. Once you take these steps, you’ll be happier and see new opportunities that you’d otherwise have missed.

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