The Gremlins of Negativity by Donna M. Cramer

Did you know that people have more negative thoughts than positive ones? We have more than 60,000 thoughts per day, and the majority are negative. Some studies suggest that around 75–80% of these thoughts are either negative or repetitive. Apparently, our brains have a built-in negativity bias to keep us safe—it helps us identify threats. We’ve simply evolved this way over time.

That being said, we don’t need to stay mired in negativity. We can work to think more positively. We don’t have to let discouragement win. We can keep going without ceasing. For me, what I need to continue with is my writing. It’s far too easy to let other tasks take precedence, from the mundane—like laundry—to the essential—like helping a friend who can no longer drive. Then, when several days pass without finding the time to write, negativity creeps in: What if my ideas dry up? What if my topic, word choice, or style is horrible? What if no one ever reads or cares what I write? What if, what if, what if…

Yes, the gremlins of negativity have crept—or jumped—in once again. Negativity will come; we’re wired for it. But how do we move past it? Structure helps. Setting a writing schedule and sticking to it works. Setting aside time for meditation and exercise is also motivating. Even stepping away from the screen can work wonders. More than once, after doing this, I’ve found the ideas flow. When I have all the raw materials I need and implement them consistently, these gremlins don’t take over, knocking me off my path.

I love writing, and I’m blessed that the ideas continue to flow. I need to allow myself the time to implement them—to actually sit down and write. This advice applies to any activity you want to pursue. It’s far too easy to go negative, and because we’ve had a bad week or been inconsistent with writing, exercise, healthy eating, or other goals, we decide to give up.

“Oh, I can’t do it. I tried and couldn’t sustain it.” The gremlins strike again! Dust yourself off and start again. So what if you took a break for a day, a week, or even a decade? Step back into your power and continue. Don’t let negativity tell you you’re done—you can do it!

I once had a therapist tell me to stop worrying about the C.O.W.s. Since I don’t live on a farm, I had no idea what she meant. A C.O.W. is a Crisis of the Week, and there will always be C.O.W.s—but don’t let them knock you off your path. Granted, they may sidetrack you for a while, but deal with them and move onward.

I know I’ve found my path forward, and that path is my writing. I must remember not to castigate myself when I veer off, but instead keep going—dusting myself off when needed, and trying. Always trying again.

I can hear those gremlins, but I don’t have to take their negative words to heart. Instead of listening to them, I can listen to someone who believes in me—and that person is finally, at long last, me.

So take that, gremlins, and on we go!