The manner of negative thinking comes in different styles. Not all people think alike in both positive and negative aspects, and neither are the thoughts similar. Negative thinking may be categorized into mediocre thinking (positive, neutral, or negative) and extraordinarily negative thinking. These two styles, which are governed by negative thoughts, will be further elaborated in this article.
Mediocre thinking pertains to the style of thinking in average or middle levels. Mediocre thinkers produce thoughts in moderate style, not so bad and not so impressive as well. The same goes true for their actions and behaviors. Their usual and common response to most questions is a typical “okay”. When asked how things are doing, you normally hear the common answer “not bad,” “just fine,” or “okay.” Although safe, this manner of thinking does not elicit a sense of satisfaction and positivity because it simply lacks enthusiasm and fullness of potential. Mediocre thinking is as simple as settling for the second best, not for the most rewarding and most fulfilling.
The downside of being a mediocre thinker is that progress is slow to be attained. Progress does not make a good match with average thinkers but with those who strongly believe that giving their best brings them somewhere else. With having an average and mediocre thinking style, the general hope is simply to steer clear of mistakes and failures but not so much on aiming for the best.
Extraordinarily Negative Thinking
The obvious characteristic of individuals manifesting this negative thinking style is that they often entertain negative thoughts about themselves, the people around them, and the events or situations. These people frequently, if not most of the time, only tend to see the mistakes, failures, the limitations, and negative outcomes. They seem to question the success of things and workability of circumstances. Their worst enemy in life is their manner of thinking, but oftentimes, they are not aware about it.
Extraordinarily negative thinking style can possibly lead to depression when negative thoughts have been accumulated in the mind and the negative thinking patterns have been going on for a prolonged period of time. The onset of depression may still not be that difficult to reduce for as long as the person is fully aware of the condition starting to sink in to the system. Depression is inevitable but it takes a conscious effort to eliminate the distressing condition.
The Need for Negative Thinking
Generally viewed and treated as distressing and disruptive, negative thinking still has its share of benefits and advantages. You learn how to value negative thinking if you are being challenged in trying situations. With negative thinking, you are able to determine your level of vulnerability to appalling circumstances, you learn how to deal with traumatic experiences, and you know well how to take meaningful losses in your life. Negative thoughts can also serve as caution for forthcoming threats and imminent risks.
In essence, negative thinking can be used as a tool for making a better and stronger person in you. The rule of thumb for managing negative thoughts is not to treat them as complete hindrances in your system, but to think of positive alternatives for every negative thought. Since you cannot let anyone monitor your own thoughts, you are solely responsible for holding those thoughts in your mind and taking full control of how they should be interpreted. When all else goes wrong, there is no one to blame but you and how you allowed your negative mental attitude to rule over you. Those around you simply react to the signals you are showing to them based from the thoughts running in your mind. Hence, a positive and hopeful manner of dealing with negativity also makes the people react positively to it.