Energy flows where your attention goes
Have you noticed that the things you dislike the most seem to be the ones that surround you? It could be a person, a daily situation, or even a particular flavor, but somehow, what we don’t want ends up taking up a huge space in our lives. We can call this “selective myopia”: a tendency to see and amplify the negative, forgetting or overlooking what brings us peace and joy.
The Brain as a Problem Detector
Our brains, designed for survival, have evolved to always be alert for potential problems. This ability was crucial in ancient times, but today, this “negative alert” works against us, causing us to:
- Remember criticism more vividly than praise
- Obsess over problems instead of celebrating solutions
- Notice what bothers us before what brings us peace
"Negativity is a shadow that looms over the day if we don’t learn to move toward the light"
This tendency can become a barrier to happiness, distorting our perception of reality and limiting our ability to enjoy the present.
The good news is that we can train our minds to overcome this tendency and live more balanced lives. Here are some practical strategies to keep selective myopia from taking control of our lives.
How to Avoid Falling into Selective Myopia
1. Observe your Thoughts without Judgment
The first step to fighting selective myopia is realizing when we’re caught in negative thoughts. Sometimes, simply observing them objectively—without judging or seeking immediate solutions—can reduce their impact. Try to notice these thoughts without letting them define your day.
A helpful exercise is to keep a quick log of moments when you detect a negative thought. You can jot down a word or short phrase that describes it. Over time, this simple action will help you recognize patterns and reduce their power.
2. Practice Gratitude, especially in Difficult Moments
It’s easy to be grateful when everything is going well, but the real benefits of gratitude come when we apply it in challenging times. When you find yourself in a frustrating or stressful situation, take a pause and try to identify something positive in your surroundings or your life. It can be as simple as a warm cup of coffee or an encouraging message from a friend.
Gratitude shifts your attention and helps you focus on the good, even in the midst of difficulty.
3. Establish a Routine to Reduce the Focus on Negativity
Our minds tend to cling to negativity, but one way to avoid this is by creating a small daily routine that helps us release these thoughts. At the end of the day, try writing or reflecting on three good things you experienced, even if they were small. Over time, this simple exercise can be transformative.
You can also try visualization exercises: at the beginning of the day, close your eyes and imagine yourself experiencing positive moments. You’ll be predisposed to notice them, reducing the tendency to focus on the negative.
4. Accept the Negative without Amplifying it
Accepting the negative doesn’t mean ignoring or repressing it, but recognizing that it exists without letting it take up more space than necessary. When a bothersome thought arises, acknowledge its presence but don’t dwell on it. You can say to yourself: "This is bothersome, but it doesn’t define my day" and then redirect your attention elsewhere.
Acceptance is a powerful tool. It’s not about avoiding negativity but learning to live with it without letting it control us.
5. Seek Activities that Nurture a Positive Mindset
Activities that we enjoy and that add something positive to our lives can help us escape the cycle of negativity. Dedicate time to activities that make you feel good, such as reading, exercising, spending time in nature, or practicing a hobby. These experiences remind us that the world is full of good things.
Also, surround yourself with people who have a positive outlook or are on a similar path. The energy of those around us can greatly influence our way of seeing things.
Building New Habits for a Balanced Life
"Where you place your attention, your world grows"
- Try to see the bright side: Look for something good in every situation, no matter how small. Even in difficult moments, try to find a lesson or something you can appreciate.
- Surround yourself with positive people and environments: Being with people who cultivate gratitude and optimism can be contagious. You can also create a space at home that inspires peace and well-being.
- Celebrate your achievements and happy moments: When something good happens, don’t overlook it. Celebrate accomplishments, however small, and keep those moments in mind when you’re tempted to focus on the negative.
Conclusion
Selective myopia isn’t something fixed or unchangeable. While we all have a tendency to focus on the negative, we also have the power to redirect our attention and build a more balanced mindset. We’re not doomed to live in a cycle of criticism and discontent; every day is an opportunity to train our vision to see the positive in our lives.
It’s a process of small steps, patience, and consistent practice. By choosing to focus on what truly matters and what does us good, we gradually transform our life experience. This doesn’t mean ignoring problems but learning to give them their rightful place without letting them define our perspective.
Seeing the positive, especially in difficult times, is an act of courage and self-care. And while it’s not always easy, every effort counts. Over time, these small practices of gratitude, acceptance, and focus can lead us to a fuller life, at peace with ourselves and the world around us.
Join a Supportive Community
To further support your journey in developing positive habits, consider using Deeditt, a mobile app where people can share positive thoughts and learn from each other's experiences. Being part of a community that fosters positive change can provide you with the encouragement and motivation you need. On Deeditt, you can connect with like-minded people, celebrate your achievements, and find inspiration in the successes and strategies of others. Embrace the power of community and make your habit-forming journey even more rewarding with Deeditt.
Fostering a Positive Mindset
At Deeditt, we are committed to supporting your journey of personal growth and positive thinking. We believe in creating a genuine community where mutual support is our greatest strength. We are here to listen to your feedback and suggestions, and we always welcome a simple "hello." Together, we can share our experiences, celebrate our victories, and overcome our challenges. Join us on this journey and let's support each other in fostering a positive mindset and continuous personal development. Your feedback and participation are what make this community strong and vibrant.
Photo by Matthijs van Schuppen on Unsplash