One of the best ways to increase your personal positivity is catching negative self-talk as it’s happening and stopping it. Easier said than done, right? Actually, in this case, it IS easy.

I used to have perpetual arguments in my head. You know the kind:

“I should have said ______ to ______. Then I should have said _______. That would have shown him/her!”

“What the heck does he think he’s doing? Can’t he see I’m next in line? I’m going to take this can of beans and ______.”

Unfortunately, this kind of thinking feeds on itself. Pretty soon, there’s a negative feeding frenzy going on between your ears.

My technique is based on simple cognitive psychology technique.

Just say “stop.”

I know it sounds simple - and it is! - but it really works. You just have to become more aware of your negative self-talk. Listen to the voices going on and on inside your head. Decide which ones are not serving you, then say, “Stop!” Out loud.

It seems silly or a light fix, but it’s the first step toward a deeper awareness of your internal bickering.

JUST SAY “STOP!”