We all have aspects to our personalities that could use improvement, with some of us needing more work than others. It’s important to be true to yourself, although sometimes that means drawing a line between the person you are and the one you would like to be. It’s also vital to identify the attributes that could be holding you back – and that may mean addressing a longstanding habit or two.
You shouldn’t “be yourself” when you have a negative attitude, have a short temper or attention-seek. It may only be a small aspect of your personality, but others could end up defining you by it. Get the details on these negative attributes and how to turn them around below.
Can You Relate? Maybe You SHOULDN’T Be Yourself.
When You Have a Negative Attitude
Everyone needs to vent now and again, but no one wants to hear it all the time. Negativity can be a tough habit to break, but it’s a worthwhile one to work on. You may have a problem if you’re finding you have fewer and fewer positive responses to people, or if you tend to see the darker side of every situation.
You can work on negative thinking by practicing being mindful about your thoughts and words. For every negative thought you have, try finding a more moderate one to replace it.
Can’t shake the negativity? Consider the possibility that you may be depressed, which often causes negative thoughts. Talk to your doctor about treatment options in your area. There is NO SHAME in getting help!
When You Have a Short Fuse
When it’s been a trait for as long as you can remember, being short tempered might feel like a set attribute. It may be just one aspect of your personality, but others still could end up defining you by it. Those closest to you might even feel forced to walk on eggshells whenever you’re around for fear of inadvertently setting you off. Maybe you feel just as powerless as they do, or even angry with yourself, but you’re not sure what to do about it.
Therapy can be helpful in reducing anger. Often, people with short fuses must learn healthier ways of channeling their frustrations. Therapy often focuses on improved communication, redirecting angry or triggering thoughts and learning when to walk away rather than engage.
When You Are Attention Seeking
Do you have difficulty letting others take the spotlight? Do you always have something to add and can’t wait to get a word in? You might not even realize it, but you could be an attention-seeker. Don’t worry, identifying it is half the battle.
To combat the attention-seeker in you, work during interactions to genuinely engage with those you’re talking to. Be interested in what they have to say, really listen and ask questions to learn more. If you feel the urge to interrupt or one-up someone’s story, remind yourself you’re not that person. Not anymore.
Be yourself and be proud of it. Knock those bad habits out of your life and let the real you shine through. It might take some time and a little practice, but you’re worth the effort.
