The Negativity Bias... and how NOT to screw things up
WTH is the "negativity bias"?
Glad you ask!
As humans, we have a natural tendency to focus on the negative aspects of life. Well, this phenomenon is known as our negativity bias, and it can have a significant impact on our progress and overall wellbeing.
Think of examples of this in your life...
"It won't work"
"They're going to say no"
"I would be terrible at that"
"It's not even worth trying"
Our negativity bias is a survival mechanism that has developed over time to help us avoid danger and stay alive. Science reveals that our brains are still wired to give more attention and weight to negative experiences than positive ones, to keep us safe.
Photo credit Kartik Iyer on Unsplash
Needless to say, in today's world, we rarely encounter a tiger. Our negativity bias, if not detected and bypassed, will send useless red flags and hinder our ability to achieve our goals, or to even get started! We are literally stopping ourselves from living a fulfilling life without realising it.
We are literally stoping ourselves from living a fulfilling life without realising it
When we focus on the negative aspects of a situation, we become more anxious, stressed, and less motivated. We may even stop trying altogether, believing that failure is inevitable. How many times have you decided not to take risks, not to try new things, and not to pursue your goals because you didn’t think it would “work”?
Nothing can hold you back from reaching your full potential than the “It’s not going to work” voice.
To overcome our negativity bias, we must recognise when it is impacting our positivity and motivation. We must also remember that things might go well, even though we automatically assume they will go wrong.
One way to combat our negativity bias is to focus on the positive outcome of a situation, and to reframe our negative thoughts into more positive ones and believe that a positive outcome is also possible, because it truly is.
Photo credit KrakenImages on Unsplash
Your plan of attack
This new way of thinking may not be a one-day fix, but you will make progress quickly now that you understand the origin of the negativity bias.
It takes practice and consistency to watch our thoughts, understand when the negativity bias or limiting beliefs are running the show, and reframe the situation to allow positivity.
Here’s the plan to follow next time you encounter a "it's not going to work" event:
1. Remind yourself that it's simply a human tendency to be negative.
2. Challenge your negative thoughts.
3. Focus on the possible positive outcomes of your situation.
What would you do differently if you knew you couldn't fail?
Remember that an accredited Life Coach is professionally trained to help you go through changes in the easiest, most effective way.
We’re here to help! And I'll leave you with this powerful quote from Willie Nelson:
"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."
Written by:
Sophie Anderson
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About the Author
Hi! I'm Sophie and I am so glad you're here! I help women and men make small, incremental changes that create a positive ripple effect on their entire life.
You have the power to turn your life around, starting today.
I am here to help you succeed.
© Sophie Anderson Coaching 2025
I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I coach, collaborate and grow, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Peoples. I acknowledge and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the world’s oldest living culture and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. I pay my deepest respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.
I also recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.