Change the Channel: Turning Negativity into Positivity When Life Shifts
Ever find yourself stuck in a loop of negative thoughts? Like a bad TV show that won’t stop playing in your mind? You’re not alone. Change—whether expected or not—has a sneaky way of pulling us into a downward spiral of doubt, fear, and worst-case scenarios.
But here’s the thing: just like you wouldn’t sit through a terrible show when you have the power to switch channels, you can do the same with your mindset. Let’s talk about how to change the channel from negativity to positivity when life throws a plot twist your way.
Step 1: Call Out the Negative Narrator
You know that voice in your head that says, “This is a disaster” or “I’ll never figure this out”? Yeah, that one. It thrives on keeping you stuck.
Here’s what to do: Challenge it. Ask yourself:
Is this thought actually true?
What evidence do I have that things will go wrong?
What’s another possible outcome?
Most of the time, negativity isn’t fact—it’s fear dressed up as certainty. The moment you recognize that, you take back control.
Step 2: Flip the Script with “What If”
Negative thinking loves to play the what-if game—just in the worst way possible.
What if I fail?
What if this ruins everything?
What if I can’t handle it?
Instead, let’s rewrite the script:
What if this turns out better than I expected?
What if I learn something incredible from this?
What if I prove to myself how strong I really am?
Same question, different lens. And that small shift? It changes everything.
Step 3: Control What You Can (and Let Go of What You Can’t)
A lot of negativity comes from feeling powerless. But newsflash: you’re not powerless. Even in the middle of change, there’s always something you control.
Focus on the next right step, not the entire staircase.
Can’t control the outcome? Focus on your effort.
Can’t predict the future? Focus on what you can do today.
Can’t change the past? Focus on what you’re creating moving forward.
Positivity isn’t about ignoring challenges—it’s about reminding yourself that you still have power in the middle of them.
Step 4: Shift Your Focus (Literally, Change the Channel)
When negativity takes over, sometimes the best move is a pattern interrupt—something that jolts your brain out of its funk.
Here are some quick ways to “change the channel” in your mind:
✅ Move your body—go for a walk, stretch, dance, whatever.
✅ Listen to music that shifts your mood.
✅ Call someone who lifts you up.
✅ Read or watch something inspiring.
✅ Get outside—nature has a way of resetting perspective.
Your brain loves patterns. Break the cycle, and you break the negativity loop.
Step 5: Practice the 3-to-1 Rule
Psychologists say our brains naturally focus on negative thoughts three times more than positive ones. So let’s flip the odds.
For every negative thought, challenge yourself to find three positive things:
One thing you’re grateful for.
One small win (even if it’s just getting out of bed today).
One thing to look forward to—even if it’s just a cup of coffee tomorrow morning.
Small shifts create big results. The more you practice, the more your brain learns to default to hope instead of fear.
Final Thought: Positivity is a Choice
Turning negativity into positivity isn’t about faking happiness. It’s about deciding where you put your energy.
Yes, change is hard. Uncertainty is uncomfortable. But you? You’re adaptable. You’re resilient. And you have the power to shift your mindset—one thought, one choice, one channel change at a time.
So, what’s the next positive channel you’re switching to today?
Maybe you can start by reaching out for help. . .
👉 Book a free call with me here
Let’s find the best way for you to switch your mental channel.