"I think showing up is really important. It’s more important than being talented or good at anything because you can be super talented, but if you don’t show up, what’s the point?” - Olivia Rodrigo
Has something ever happened to you - real, exaggerated, or imaginary - that traps you in a mental maze of negative thoughts that lead to negative actions?
The Doom Loop is a negative thought pattern that sends you spiraling in the wrong direction.
Something happens - it can be a bad performance or performance review, negative criticism, finding out someone was talking about you, someone looking at you the wrong way or ignoring you - and the thoughts in your head immediately turn to doubt leading to nervousness, anxiety, and fear.
Negative thoughts then lead to negative actions which lead to more negative thoughts, and you are now stuck in The Doom Loop.
Some people can catch and stop those thoughts immediately, while others get stuck in the spiral of negativity and can’t fight their way out, leading to self-sabotaging behaviors.
How can you stop it?
Recognize it, identify the next best step, then act.
Fear is often bigger in our heads than it is in real life, so make it real by either naming it or writing it down. Then, determine one thing you need to and can do next. Finally, count down 5-4-3-2-1 and act.
Breaking free from a negative feedback loop can take time and effort. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and don't hesitate to seek help if needed.
And keep showing up for yourself and others.
Question of the Day: When you find yourself stuck in The Doom Loop, what can you do to recognize it and get out of it so you can keep showing up?
Comments