‍Negative emotions cannot be resolved with positive ones.

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We can’t really fix negative emotions with positive ones. Though an affirmation can alleviate a sense of dread or doom in the moment and build a more positive outlook over time for those with existing high self-esteem, they have been studied to do more harm than good if it feels incongruent. Positivity as a tactic (not a general disposition) does not rewire what’s blocking the root wiring of those negative emotions, which will return when the same triggers do.

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Instead, apply new habits with positive pressure.

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To truly rewire our systems for change, we can’t outsmart ourselves into pretending what we believe what we’re saying. That’s basically a form of covert self-sabotage!

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Instead, do affirming actions with an affirming emotion and belief > creating a much stronger neural pathway towards desired behaviors.

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This is both a shift in perspective AND a shift in capacity if you apply the actions over time, rewiring our neurobiology to rid us of the negative trigger causing that unhelpful emotion.

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Here are examples of how to reframe and rewire a negative emotion or experience:

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We tend to default to one or two of these blocks when placed under pressure. Do you know yours?