I’ve adopted a mindset of rejecting all kinds of negativity in my life. I’ve noticed it’s a pattern of thinking that has totally consumed some, and without pruning, has the ability to poison life.

I believe happiness is an exercise in appreciation, enthusiasm, and optimism. Life is simply better this way, and I also believe attracts success and good fortune. Negativity, no matter how small, is a thief of everyday joy. If happiness is a daily muscle we need to exercise, then negativity is wasting away in mental bedridden.

So, how do I reject negativity? I learn to spot it, avoid it, don't engage with it and don't practice it. The result is daily joy, excitement, and a new perspective. By turning down the volume of the bad stuff, it creates a self-fulfilling cycle of increasing happiness. Life is good. Unfortunately, negativity is everywhere, so avoiding it was tricky at first, but once I learned to spot the patterns it became much easier.

Self-reinforcing groups

Luckily, negative minds tend to stick together which makes them easier to avoid. Groups coalesce around negativity. They thrive on hating things, find commonalities in the things they hate, and support each other in hating more things over time. These groups attract other negative people and naturally repel positive people. Online algorithms exacerbate this. This one is generally easy to spot and avoid.

Faux positivity

This one, not as easy: negativity masquerading as good-intent. People want to make a difference. They want justice. They try to protest and hate so loudly that it affects positive change, however, this is never the case. It sounds honest, but it doesn't work because they pose no alternative other than destruction. A positive vision is much more effective at inspiring change. Beware faux positivity.

Authority through opinions

I’ve also seen attempts to project authority through negativity; sharing opinions that critique others. It's tempting to try to create influence by sharing a counterpoint; but does having an opinion create legitimacy? I don't think so. It’s always a bad look and rarely captures the full story. There is room for critiquing, but it must be rooted in objectivity.

To me, the most inspiring leaders can only be the ones who admire the world around them and maintain a steadfast optimism about the future. They are the lovers of creation that wish to leave a mark on the world for posterity. They have a vision and the bravery to attempt making it a reality. This manifestation of ambition is true authority.

Everyday negativity

Negativity comes in all shapes and sizes. I've compiled some patterns I've noticed recently that are extremely prevalent, especially online. I'm learning to spot these so I can disregard sooner when I come across them:

Pessimistic comments about the future

"AI is going to ruin everything, what's the point?"

Assuming ulterior motives

"It's great they did that, but they probably did it to save on taxes"

Projecting ethics

"I won't watch that movie because the art director was underpaid"

Dunking

"Look how stupid this invention looks"

Someone shouldn’t be somewhere

"She doesn't deserve to be working at that company"

Non-believers

"A moon base is cool, but it'll never work"

Us vs. them

"This is our city, and transplants don't belong"

Speaking in absolutes

"Everyone that likes that music is so dumb"

Haters

“I hate [everything and anything]”

Premature judgement

"That's a stupid idea, this company is going to fail"

Assuming malicious intent

"They did that because they want to get back at me"

Headline hoarders

"Look at this injustice! I don't support this! Unbelievable!"

Knee-jerk reactionaries

"Did you hear what he said!? The world is going to crap"

Horrible, right? If yes, then join me. Enter the world of relentless optimism and positivity. Reject negativity.