So I’ve been doing some Google searches on the subject, because Google knows everything, right? Found ONE site that may shed some light on the subject that I posted below, the rest were just advertisements or junk.

Personally I think a lot of it has to do with the people you surround yourself with, and the situations you find yourself in. Some of these things are in your control, and some you have no choice in. Obviously the best course of action is to remove yourself from situations or people that are negative, or cause negative thoughts. If that person is a loved one, that’s not something that is realistic unless, of course, it’s an abusive relationship (either mental or physical). The best course in that case is to talk with that person about your feelings, and seek counseling.

Another thing that I think helps when you’re experiencing negative emotions or negative thinking is to refocus that energy on something constructive or creative depending on who you are. I find that if I feel that I really want to just wallow in sadness or knock someone’s block off, I will find a project around the house or something that just needs fixing and go to work at it. Some people who are more artistic may paint, draw, or play the piano. Then there are others who go the Zen approach, I’ve tried this a few times but I find I’ve never been able to quiet my mind so that doesn’t quite work for me!

Understand, this is not the same thing as ignoring your problems. You still have to deal with the issues you face, and the sooner the better. The key is to, as best as you can, remove as much of the emotional part and replace it with logic and reason. I’ve been able to do this in the past, and recently I’ve really been put to the test with a very emotional and life changing event. I can’t say that I was completely level during this event, but I feel that I’ve been able to handle it as best as anyone could. Of course it’s not over yet, but I feel like I’m handling it appropriately. Being cool under pressure is not an easy thing, but if you can keep your cool you will find that you are able to keep a very volitile situation from escalating further. Many times, this can be the difference that keeps others from doing something they regret, or in even more dangerous situations life and death.

I think it all really just comes down to getting into the habit, just like exercising it might be painful at first but once you get through a few days of it you start to enjoy it. Which reminds me that exercising is yet another way, and something *I* should be doing so I think I will. Heh! Some good quotes on the subject:

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
- Abraham Lincoln

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”
- Aristotle

Links:

zen habits - I know what I said about the Zen approach, but this site seems to have some good suggestions. Be sure to check old posts, I found a lot of good ideas here.

Lifehacker - More of a “geek” site, but has some good productivity tips, not everything is geek-centric.

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