Giving in to Negative Thoughts Helps You Overcome Them

While trying to overcome negative thoughts, you may not have simply given in to them. This surprising method of dealing with negative self-talk can be extremely powerful. 

What Does Giving in to Negative Thoughts Look Like?

Giving in to negative talk doesn’t have to be a defeatist practice. Instead, it can snap you or someone else out of negativity. When you hear negative talk, simply respond with the furthest application of that negativity. The response, for yourself and others, will often interrupt that destructive thought cycle and may even provide some much-needed humor in a tough time.

Giving in to a Friend’s Negative Thoughts

A great place to start this practice can be with a friend. You may have a friend who complains about something, speaking negatively about herself. In that moment, try responding with complete agreement. 

For example, I have a friend who consistently bashes herself for being disorganized when I visit her home. When I try this giving in method, I simply respond to her complaint with, “Yes, your place is a complete hoarding disaster and I can barely speak to you because of the chaos.”

Generally, she pauses and then laughs as she realizes her disorganization seems more problematic to her than it does to guests. This surprising bit of dialogue pulls her out of the negative thought cycle she’s entered and puts her issue in perspective. 

How Giving In Works with Your Own Negative Thoughts

This method may be easier with a friend because as an outsider you can clearly see someone else’s negative thoughts, while your own may seem more true. However, start to look for the negativity that you can give in to. Look for negative self-talk like, “I’m selfish,” “I can’t do it,” or even harsher versions such as, “Why am I so stupid?” Then simply stop fighting the negativity and embrace it.

“I’m a bad friend” can garner a response like, “Yep, you only take actions that will benefit you personally. You never think of others.”

“I can’t do it” can result in “True. Might as well sit on the couch and not try.”

“Why am I so stupid?” can receive “You’re so dumb that you can’t even put your socks on correctly.” 

Watch this video for more about overcoming negative thoughts by giving in to them.