More Positive or Less Negative…
When it comes to building a fulfilling life, emotional balance, or even cultivating a meaningful mindset, we often hear, “Be more positive.” But what if the real shift doesn’t come from adding more good—but from removing what’s bad?
This brings us to a powerful reflection: Is it more important to be more positive, or to be less negative?
Let’s explore this through psychology, real-world experiences, and practical strategies for your personal growth journey.
1. Understanding the Two Sides: Positivity vs. Negativity
Positivity is about consciously focusing on uplifting experiences—joy, gratitude, hope, love, and excitement. It’s proactive and helps you feel inspired and motivated.
Negativity, on the other hand, can stem from fear, criticism, toxic habits, harmful people, or internal self-doubt. It tends to drain energy and distort reality.
While both influence your mental well-being, research suggests negativity has a stronger emotional impact than positivity.
2. The Brain’s Negativity Bias
Our brains are hardwired to notice threats more than rewards. This is called the negativity bias—a survival mechanism that helped our ancestors avoid danger. But in modern life, this bias means that:
- A single negative comment can outweigh 5 compliments.
- One failure can overshadow 10 successes.
- We remember rejections more vividly than appreciation.
So, while positivity is powerful, negativity is stickier—and harder to ignore.
3. Why Less Negative = More Peace
Removing sources of negativity often brings greater emotional freedom than simply layering on positivity. Here’s why:
🧹 You clear the noise
Toxic relationships, self-criticism, or cluttered environments can act like mental “static.” Removing them gives you room to think and breathe clearly.
🪶 Peace > Cheerfulness
You don’t always need to feel happy. Often, just not feeling anxious, pressured, or judged is enough to feel better.
🌿 Space for growth
When negativity leaves, positivity naturally has more space to flourish. You don’t need to force it.
4. Positivity Doesn’t Cancel Negativity
You can’t:
- Gratitude your way out of burnout.
- Meditate away a toxic relationship. Smile through chronic stress.
- Adding positive practices without removing the negative often leads to emotional suppression, not healing.
That’s why inner work isn’t just about “feeling better”—it’s about clearing out what keeps you stuck.
5. The Power of Subtraction in Self-Growth
Think of life as a garden.
🌻 More positive = planting flowers.
🧹 Less negative = removing weeds.
Which one should you do first?
If you don’t pull out the weeds, they’ll choke any flower you plant.
That’s why true transformation often begins not with doing more, but with removing what doesn’t serve you.
“Elimination is the most underrated form of progress.”
6. How to Practice ‘Less Negative’ in Real Life
Here are ways to reduce negativity that may have more long-term benefits than simply adding positive habits:
🧠 Mindset:
- Challenge critical self-talk
- Set boundaries around overthinking
- Practice emotional regulation
🤝 Relationships:
- Step back from toxic people
- Limit exposure to gossip, blame, or criticism
- Surround yourself with calm, not chaos
💻 Habits:
- Reduce doom-scrolling or comparison online
- Clear physical clutter to reduce mental clutter
- Say ‘no’ more often without guilt
7. Balancing the Two: Less Negative AND More Positive
This is not a battle between two extremes. It’s a balance.
✨ Less negative = Inner calm
🌟 More positive = Inspiration, joy, and momentum
When you eliminate the heavy weight of negative influence, the lightness of positivity feels more natural. You don’t have to force it.
8. Final Thoughts
In the world of growth and healing, we’re often told to “do more” to feel better—journal more, smile more, think positive. But sometimes, doing less is the real key.
Instead of asking “How can I be happier?”
Ask “What’s in the way of my happiness?”
Start by letting go. That’s where freedom begins. And once the space is clear—joy has a way of showing up all by itself.
Ready to go deeper into emotional healing and mindset shifts?
Visit https://deepikaseksaria.com for personal growth resources, coaching, and practices that help you rewrite your story—one powerful step at a time.