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

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More from Jack Canfield

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