Edited by Leona, Flickety, Matto1234567890, Wannabe doctor and 6 others

It has been said that changing negative thought patterns can be incredibly difficult, but this is a negative thought in itself. If unchanged, negative thought patterns can escalate and spiral out of control, resulting in an individual being unable to achieve what they wish to in life, and constantly being unable to find a path to follow.

Think optimistically: you can change your negative thoughts to positive ones. All it takes is persistence and the understanding that you, and you alone, are in control of the thoughts that pass through your mind. This article will help you learn how to change your negative thought patterns.

Steps

1
Take control of your brain. Anything and everything in life can be explained as a bad or good. An example: If someone gives you a bottle of perfume, it can be because (positive)they're fond of you or because (negative) you stink. The trick is to persistently pick the most positive explanation and tell yourself that (preferably out loud) and also make up (realistic) reasons that the positive explanation is the correct one. If you think it won't work, you probably need to try today.
2
Find guidance. Looking at this article is a great start. Reading the experiences of others is a brilliant way to realize that changing your thought patterns from bad to good is entirely achievable. Browse on the internet for "positivity", "positive phrases" etc. There are plenty of positive people out there wishing to help others to banish negative thinking.
3
Write a list of everything, no matter how big or small, that you are thankful for.Good examples are things like your family, lover, pets, comfortable home etc. This will help you to focus on how much positivity there truly is in your life.
4
Live in the present. Not the future, and certainly not the past. This is something that many people forget, and spend all of their time deeply regretting events that have passed and constantly worrying about what may happen, and so lose out on now, on life. Accept that you can't change the past, but that you have a large amount of control over what you do in the present, which will give you a better future. Live everything you do, and you will instantly feel more positive than negative.
5
Stop using words in your mind such as: "won't" and "can't". Allowing negative thoughts to stay in your mind and to grow helps them to control how you react to situations, resulting in them becoming a reality. Consciously and constantly switch these to "will" and "can", try your best. Accept that everybody falls occasionally, but embrace this, and instead see it as an opportunity to follow a new path.
6
Each day is a new day. Life gives us new chances and opportunities at every moment. Follow your instincts.
7
Accept change. This will prevent you from slipping into negative thoughts telling you that life is out to get you, when it isn't. Embrace the concept that change is a part of life, and positivity will embrace you.