How to Know When Your Negative Thinking Is Hurting You More than making you a Debbie Downer, negative thoughts can dictate where you go in life.

By Jack Canfield

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

For many of us, giving in to a negative internal dialogue is far too easy. Many times, we become stuck in a destructive mindset and forget how positive thinking can change our actions. Jack Canfield, an Entrepreneur Network partner, explains how many people get trapped in negative thinking.

Research shows, on a daily basis, the thoughts running through your mind are mostly negative. Canfield talks about how if we tell ourselves something is possible, we are more likely to achieve it. Conversely, if we think something is impossible, then we are more likely to think we cannot achieve it. Thinking positive thoughts can lift up experiences of pleasure and reduce feelings of physical pain. Positive thinkers are also more likely to be confident, optimistic and motivated.

Canfield stresses that each of us is ultimately in control of our own thoughts and, thus, has the ability to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.

Curious if your mindset has shifted into negative terrain? To help identify negative thoughts, Canfield lists a few different types of thinking. "Always or Never" thinking is when you convince yourself of hypothetical situations with extreme consequences. "Focusing on the Negative" mindset occurs when you start to believe the world is all bad and never any good.

To hear more about the effects and types of negative thinking (and turning over a new leaf into positive thinking), click the video above.

Related: 7 Ways to Overcome a Devastating Loss and Stay Healthy

Entrepreneur Network is a premium video network providing entertainment, education and inspiration from successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders. We provide expertise and opportunities to accelerate brand growth and effectively monetize video and audio content distributed across all digital platforms for the business genre.

EN is partnered with hundreds of top YouTube channels in the business vertical. Watch video from our network partners on demand on Roku, Apple TV and the Entrepreneur App available on iOS and Android devices.

Click here to become a part of this growing video network.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Jack Canfield

Why You Should Never Give Up On Your Dreams

Why Jack Canfield's 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' Series Was Originally Rejected

Inspirational Stories to Help You Persevere Through Negativity

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

7 Steps to De-Risking Big Business Decisions Before They Backfire

When the stakes are high, these seven steps can help you avoid costly mistakes, eliminate bias and make smarter decisions that actually scale.

Leadership

The Difference Between Entrepreneurs Who Survive Crises and Those Who Don't

In a business world accelerated by AI, visibility alone is fragile. Here's how strategic silence and consistency can turn reputation into your most powerful asset.

Employee Experience & Recruiting

Here's the Real Reason Your Employees Are Checked Out — And the Missing Link That Could Fix It

Most disengaged employees aren't exhausted — they're disconnected, and storytelling may be the key to rebuilding that connection.

Business News

United Airlines Says It Is Adding Extra Flights in Case Spirit 'Suddenly Goes Out of Business'

Rival airlines, including United and Frontier, are adding new routes as Spirit cuts 12 cities from its schedule.

Business News

You Can Get Paid $18,000 More a Year By Adding AI Skills to Your Resume, According to a New Study

Employers are emphasizing AI skills — and are willing to pay a lot more if you have them.