Utterly dumbfounded.

That’s how I felt in college when I heard someone in my political science class ask, “Kazakhstan is a real country?!”

 

Oh. Em. Gee, I thought to myself, Does this idiot ever watch the news?!

 

In fact, the Kazakhstan comment enraged me so much that I made a speech in my speech class (go figure) encouraging my classmates to read the news every day. (There were even more fools in that class than in my Poli Sci one, so I figured I was performing a public service).

These people needed some educatin’ and I was happy to give it to them.

 

And then something horribly confusing happened to me that made me question everything I had been preaching.

 

I realized that I HATE the news.

 

The news makes me feel icky, angry, and helpless. I’d even go as far as to say that the news is one of the causes of depression because it forces us to focus on all of the shit that’s hitting the world’s fan.

And it was through this realization that I learned a very important lesson:

There’s a huge difference between being informed and devouring information.

(That’s a tweetable. So tweet it out. Duh).

 

As it turns out, I can’t staaaaand negativity. Negativity turns me into a disgruntled old man. Negativity makes me want to sleep in until noon and blame the world for my troubles. NEGATIVITY = COOTIES.

And it’s not just the news that spawns negativity—so do many of the people in your life (and the other information that you read).

In the years since my “Why you should watch the news more” speech, I’ve started singing another tune. It’s a happy, optimistic tune that makes me feel good. In fact, I’ve become such a positivity activist that I came thiiiiiis close to applying to doctoral programs in Positive Psychology. (Unfortunately, they weren’t going to let me curse in my research articles).

 

These are my strategies for kicking negativity right in the nuts:

 

1. 3 strikes, you’re out!

Facebook friends. Real friends. Imaginary friends…BEWARE. If I see a whiny, negative, or otherwise irritating status update from you (especially if it includes bitching about your day or other people), you go on my naughty list.

Two more times? YOU’RE OUT. Unsubscribe. See ya later.

Listen—I get it. We all have bad days, difficult moments, stressful times.

I just don’t want it around me 24/7/365.

 

2. News…eh.

The news. Stresses. Me out.

I wish it didn’t. I honestly wish that I could watch CNN pundits spout nonsensical jibber jabber while meditating in a Zen-like world of peace and love… BUT I CAN’T.

Watching the news doesn’t help me to be productive and make a contribution to the world.

The work I do depends on high energy, positivity, and inspiration. It’s hard to write about my idealistic pursuits after hearing Erin Burnett ask “specialists” about whether or not Michelle Obama’s nail polish is going to impact the economy.

I’m HUMAN. I get angry. The difference between me and you (maybe) is that I’ve created an environment where the negativity doesn’t touch me. Defense!

 

3. Create an inspiration avalanche.

Sometimes I just get in a funk. Something stupid happens. I hear a stranger at the grocery store make an outlandish comment. I see something absurd. I’m tired. I’m hungry.

Neither you or I can operate at our highest function or as our highest, most edified self ALL THE TIME. Life comes in goes in cycles. It keeps things interesting!

What can you do? Strengthen your offence.

Not only do I block negativity from bursting my bubble, I also make my bubble stronger (think death star) by making sure to read something inspirational every day. A book. A blog. A newspaper article (shhh).

 

Not sure where to start? Here are three books that I recommend:

Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation, by Sharon Salzberg

The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg

War of Art, by Steven Pressfield

 

Do you have your own strategies for combatting negativity? I bet your tips could help others (the more positivity, the better).

Share your strategies in the comments!

 

 

Did you find this post inspiring? If so, please share it using the buttons below.