Most negative thinking isn’t true. So, why let it trouble us?
SCRIPT FOR VIDEO:  My [negative] thoughts are based on past experiences and future predictions–all of which have been reinterpreted by my brain in a fictional way . . . really! My brain created this scenario in the future, and it hasnât even happened. My brain created this thing about the past and has “awfulized” it.
So first, donât trust a thought. You know, espectially when weâre tense, our thinking is whacked. So the first thing: âOh, Okay; this thought Iâm thinking doesnât have to be the one I stick with.â Okay?
So, then, 4. The decision: Iâm gonna change my thinking. So, when I recognize that my thoughts are based on past experiences, just to give you an  example: the Kindle (upload) thing. [I kept failing at it.] I hate failure. You know, I just hate failure
And hereâs . . .Underneath each fear and worry is what I call in the book (and it’s a theme throughout) a Whispered Lie: âYou’re going to screw up!â âYouâre not going to look good!â You know. Or it could be a self-statement: âOh, man! Iâll never be able to figure this out; I hate technology.â You know, all those lovely helpful things we tell ourselves. (Audience laughs)
So, all the techniques in the book are about dissolving those Whispered Lies so that hope, clarity, and good things can come in.
So, the first one weâre going to try is my favorite; itâs called the Golden Key. And itâs the simplest thing. The premise of all of these is that you have control over what your mind dwells on. You absolutely have a choice. And itâs a minute-by-minute (or sometimes a second-by-second) thing.
So, with the Golden Key, Iâm gonna make a decision: Every time I have a negative thought or feeling about something (âOh! Iâm uploading that Kindle file tonight; itâs never gonna work!â), Iâm going to gently replace it with a positive thought, or a prayer, or an inspiring image.
So, you get to choose what that is. For me, Iâm gonna say, âAll is well. Everything is in perfect order.â Thatâs something that works for me. For you it might be the Serenity Prayer, an image of a rose, um, a light . . . anything that connects you with some source of goodness bigger than your fear. Something that you can tell yourself or focus on thatâs bigger than the fear. A source of good.
So think of what that might be for you. . . [The Video ends here; participants practice silently switching their thoughts from the negative to their positive phrase or image]
To read about Emmet Foxâs Golden Key technique, click here.
For more tips, buy 50 Ways to Worry Less Now at Amazon Itâs been out for 3 weeks and gotten great reviews! I hope it helps you find peace, clarity, and connection as you free yourself from worry and negative thinking. Best of luck! â Gigi Langer, former âQueen of Worryâ
Gigi Langer holds an MA in Psychology and PhD in Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. She is a seasoned author and popular speaker who has helped thousands of people improve their lives at home and work. Langer hasnât had a drug or drink for over 30 years, although she occasionally overindulgeS in Ghirardelli chocolate and historical novels. Gigi lives happily in Michigan with her husband, Peter and her cat, Murphy.