We all get that feeling where we start to believe that bad news is just around the corner. Most of the time, this feeling is subconscious, and we can’t find any logical reason behind it. However, we still choose to believe it. In a mental advisor’s dictionary, this is known as a negative thought pattern.
Negative thought patterns are fairly common among the younger generations, including millennials and Gen Zers, as they have access to the internet, which often leads to overconsumption of data. As one of the most complex constructs of the universe, the brain remains one of the biggest mysteries to humankind. However, one thing is certain, in many ways, a brain is like a machine. It processes data and signals the body to act accordingly, passively affecting your physical well-being.
We sat down with Jane Morales, the creative director of Culture 10 and a mental strength advisor, to uncover the mysteries tied to negative thinking and how to avoid it, if at all possible.
Tell us a bit about yourself, Jane. Your background and your qualifications.
Jane Morales: I am a development and leadership advisor and public speaker from Puerto Rico. I hold a BS in marketing from Bentley University in Boston and a Master’s of Science in Communications from Boston University. In addition to that, I am also trained in the power of intention and positive affirmations. I also have a higher degree in Psychosynthesis – psychology that expands the boundaries of human potential by exploring the values and purpose that we hold in our lives.
What inspired you to become an assertiveness advisor? Do you have any experiences that you’d like to share?
Jane Morales: I have a background in the television industry with Telemundo Network and NBC Network as a producer and entertainment news anchor. After 10 years, I felt like I had achieved every goal I had set for myself over there, so I switched industries and held the position of Public Relations and Advertising Director for Cartier Jewelers International, in charge of the Latin American markets. In the meantime, I completed my master’s in meditation, got a degree in leadership counseling, and a few other certifications.
Once I felt like I was fully prepared to help others overcome their challenges and achieve a higher state of enlightenment, I started my own mental strength counseling institution. During my life, I’ve hit rock bottom more times than I can remember, and during those times, I sought help from therapists, life advisors, and leadership mentors, but their advice never helped me get through those times. I always had to find my own path, it was a gruesome process, but at the end of the day, it turned me into a better version of myself. I don’t want others to go through that phase without help because I consider myself lucky that I got through at all. I want to be there for others, to help them unlock their full potential.
You say you’re different from other advisors and mentors. Can you explain what makes you say that?
Jane Morales: I am the founder of my own assertiveness, empowerment and mental strength counseling method. I teach my clients techniques on how to achieve success, develop mental strength, assertiveness in decision-making, harmony & happiness in life. Instead of just churning out vague and unhelpful tips and motivational speeches, I try to listen as much as I can because – with most people – their problems stem from a lot of mental fatigue, and they don’t have anyone to rely on. I don’t believe in sticking to textbook practices because every client is different and needs to be treated as such.
What’s your approach to treating negative thought patterns?
Jane Morales: Negativity is a common concept, and, in many cases, it’s a vital one. It’s a part of life. You can’t imagine a life without negativity and not be delusional. Life isn’t a bed of roses, and I believe negativity is there to help you keep your sanity in check because overly optimistic people suffer just as much as toxic and negative ones. But this is also an aspect that can stop you from progressing. It can drastically alter one’s perspective of the world. So when I’m dealing with clients suffering from overthinking or intrusive thoughts, I try to base my classes around what makes them tick. For example:
- Understanding their energy of thought
- Helping them connect with their inner self
- Developing self-esteem
- Helping them find meaning in their life
- And making daily chores a positive and harmonious experience
What’s your advice to people who suffer from negative thinking?
Jane Morales: Firstly, I’d ask them to identify the root cause. Because you can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. And it’s completely normal. More than 80% of people have negative thoughts, but what matters is not to let them get to your head. Never let it stop you from applying for your dream job, or date night, or going to that new sushi restaurant on the other side of town. It always starts from the little things, so you have to stop it before it reaches critical mass. And if you think you can’t handle it alone, seek out a friend or family member for help. If you’re not that comfortable with them, seek out a mental strength advisor, people like us deal with similar situations on a regular basis, so I think it’s safe to say that we’re qualified enough.