The 7 Habits of Negativity 

TO live a healthy, fulfilling life we need to learn to “let go” of negativity surrounding us. If you want to make 2024 a successful year negative thoughts and habits must be cut free.  

These patterns hold people back and force us to remain in a mindset of being “stuck.” We tend to develop feelings of being “powerless” instead of “powerful.”  

No problem, right? Well, not always. Identifying and determining what behaviors to let go of is often easier said than done. Being able to look in the mirror and honestly self-reflect on the good, the bad, and the indifferent in one’s life is something we all struggle with from time to time.  

Well, luckily for all of you, our BostonMan readers, I have experience with this and am here to share and help.   

You’ve all heard of the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People,” right? 

Below is my own version, “The 7 Habits of Negativity That May Be Wearing You Down.” 

The following list of “habits” I feel may be “things” that are grinding on you, whether you are aware of it or not.  

Hopefully you can gain an understanding as to why you should wave a quick goodbye to each of them and embark on the road to positivity.  

  • Comparing Yourself to Others: This is just a total waste of time and energy. If you are content and happy, that is all that matters. Focus on yourself. Set goals. There will always be someone who has a perceived “advantage” over you in some area of life and focusing on those people will diminish your own self worth.  
  • Procrastination: I am a Type A person through and through so I feel strongly about this one. Never say that you are too busy to accomplish as task. Take the first step. A tiny step is better than no step. If you never start, you will never finish.
  • Worrying About the Future: I admit that I am terrible at this. I am a “worrier” by nature. I have a difficult time sitting with uncertainty. In fact, one saying that my dad has repeated to me multiple times throughout my life is “No amount of worry will give you an ounce of prevention.” How true. The future is always uncertain to an extent. Try and focus on the present time and what you have control over.  
  • Clutter: Slow down. Remove distractions. Living in clutter causes chaos. Having a sense of organization will be calming. If you are a person who has let clutter build up then choose a decluttering task each week until you slowly make progress.
  • Expectations: Having expectations about other people only sets you up for disappointment because all we can control is ourselves. Find happiness from within. Do not rely on others to make you happy. Of course, it is an amazing feeling when people do things that make you smile, but you cannot have another human be the “make it or break it” of your happiness throughout your life.  
  • Fear: Fear kills more dreams than failure does. Do not shut down. Have fear wake up your adrenaline to leap into what you want to accomplish in your life. 
  • People Pleasing: Do not sacrifice yourself. There is nothing wrong with being kind, but do not let others take advantage of you. Do not let them take your kindness for weakness. If you are always bending over backwards to please someone else, then you will never please yourself.  

AS Carrie Bradshaw once said, “The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself.”  

If you are a positive person, you will build high quality, meaningful relationships with others, and this starts with building a positive relationship with yourself. This, in turn, will provide you with a more fulfilling and happier life. I wish you nothing but health and happiness in 2024 and every year thereafter! 

 Please reach out with any questions and comments and make sure to follow me on Instagram @tiffyg77.  

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Tiffany Giannato is a mother, fashionista, stylist, and shopping addict! Her blogs, pictorials, and fashion tips are aimed towards empowering both women and men to look and feel their best regardless of age. Her “you can be as trendy at 61 as you were at 21” mantra has taken Boston by storm! A true Italian, Tiffany believes family, love, food, and style are always the keys to happiness!