Do you ever find yourself being the nay-sayer? I feel like the older I get, the more life I’ve seen, the more often I catch myself playing the Debbie Downer. Just last week, when a mentee asked me whether they could try a new direction with a project, the words I hate as an innovator actually came out of my mouth: “We’ve already tried that. It doesn’t work.”

You can’t stop your brain from having negative thoughts — but you can teach it to move on faster.

Here are four simple steps to shift your wiring:

1. Catch the Thought

Notice when the spiral starts.
Ask yourself:

“What story am I telling myself right now?”
“Is this true? Or is it just my fear talking?”

Labeling the thought activates your logical brain and quiets the emotional one.
Just naming it weakens its power.

2. Redirect the Energy

Once you catch the thought, redirect it.
Try:

“What’s one thing I can control right now?”
“What’s working that I can build on?”

You’re not faking positivity — you’re giving your brain a new route to follow.
Each redirect lays down a new, healthier pathway.

3. Practice the Shift Daily

Neuroplasticity — your brain’s ability to rewire — works through repetition.
Like going to the gym, consistency builds strength.

Try this daily routine:

• Morning: Name one thing you’re grateful for.
• Midday: Pause and reframe one negative thought.
• Evening: List three wins or lessons from the day.

Small reps = big change.

4. Make It Stick

Habits stick when they’re built into routines.
Here’s how to lock it in:

• Pair it with something you already do.
  Example: Every time you check your email, take one deep breath and ask, “Am I reacting or responding?”
• Share your goal with someone. Accountability helps.
• Celebrate progress. When you catch yourself shifting your mindset, give yourself credit.
  Each win reinforces the new wiring.

Why It Matters for Leaders

As a leader, your mindset doesn’t just affect you — it ripples through your entire team.
If your brain stays stuck in negativity, your team feels it.
When you model calm, focused optimism, you give others permission to do the same.

Neuroscience tells us this isn’t just attitude — it’s chemistry.
Optimism lowers stress hormones, boosts dopamine, and literally improves problem-solving and creativity.

In other words:

When you change your thoughts, you change your brain.
When you change your brain, you change your behavior.
When you change your behavior — you change your results.

Your brain is listening to everything you say, especially about yourself.
Train it wisely.

Next time your thoughts turn negative, pause and do a validity check. How helpful is this thought? What could happen if you let go of this initial judgement to consider other alternatives? How can you hold space for possibility? When you do, you’ll lead with more clarity, confidence and calm than ever before.