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No matter how positive you may be, there’s always that moment where you get caught up with negativity. Whether it be from a social interaction, something that happened at work, or out in the dating world, it happens. But on our April 19th, 2017 episode we found out you could fix that in as little as 4 minutes. Dr. Dani Gordon says to do the following steps:
For the first minute, identify the negative thought pattern you’re stuck in before the brain enters into negative mode. “Don’t miss potential threats,” Gordon warns, “and write them all down to get them out of your head.”
For the next three minutes, concentrate on flipping over to the approach network way of thinking by first calming the mind and focusing on breathing. Yes, meditate for a minute. After you steady your breathing, really concentrate and isolate the specific negative thoughts freaking you out. “Don’t worry about why those negative thoughts are there,” Gordon explains, “just observe them.”
And finally, the most crucial step in the 4-minute brain hack is to visualize a positive outcome. Just like an athlete visualizes scoring the game-winning touchdown, focus on the best possible results. “Envision the best possible outcome in as great a detail as possible: Where is this scene? Who is present? What emotions are you feeling? What are you saying and doing? What are other people’s responses, right on down to their facial expressions or the actions they take?”
Dr. Gordon stresses that the faster a person identifies a negative thought, to stop and focus on eradicating the “habit” of turning an unfavorable feeling into hours of downward spiraling into negativity.
So, give it a try, and let us know how it works by emailing us and we’ll share your results on the show.
