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I enjoy my alone time very much. But sometimes it is ruined by automatic negative thoughts. When such thoughts arrive, we should stop them at the very moment so they don’t mess with our heads. Here are few tips we can use to stay away from such negative thoughts.

1. Mastermind these moments earlier- Prepare yourself earlier for such time, when you are feeling motivated. Keep a journal handy so you can have a look at it when you need it the most. As I mentioned in previous articles, keep a journal and write positive things in your life, things you are grateful for. Always keep them nearby so you can access them. Write them down in various places like your table, wall, etc. Or keep an app.

2. Practice thought-stopping- Yes, it is a thing and it means exactly like what it sounds. Stop the negative thought at that very moment and convert that into a positive thought. Instead of thinking “I am really short on money and I will not be able to pay my rent this month” Think “I need to figure out some ways to earn money so I can pay my rent, I still have xx days left, I better get start.” After practicing this several times, you will get used to this and it would be easier for you to handle the negative thoughts.

3. Take responsibility, don’t play the victim- Don’t be a victim and act like you have been played by the universe or all the bad things only happen with you, etc. Instead of that, take responsibility and try your best to get better every time.

4. Don’t beat yourself up if you fail- Nobody is perfect, you got to forget your past and move forward. Don’t think that ‘I wasted my entire month and didn’t do anything productive’ The only thing you can do now is to learn from your mistakes and move on.

5. Read inspiring self-improvement books- There are plenty of books available on self-improvement. Always make time for a good read every day, at least 15 minutes.