What Happens When We Think Less Negative ?
Over a family dinner, my husband asked me a question that stopped me mid-bite: "What’s better—thinking more positive or thinking less negative?"
At first, I brushed it off, imagining Marie Kondo folding my mental clutter into tidy, joyful stacks. But the question stuck. It wasn’t about ignoring reality or denying challenges. It was simpler: what if we could just turn down the volume on negativity? Could that create space for something more hopeful?
Science seems to agree. A recent study by researchers at the University of Cambridge challenged the idea that suppressing negative thoughts is harmful. In fact, it found that people trained to suppress distressing thoughts not only experienced fewer intrusive memories but also reported better mental health. The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Michael Anderson, noted, “We’re not talking about denial or avoidance but building a mental habit of reshaping unhelpful thoughts.” (University of Cambridge Research)
The findings were surprising: suppressing negative thoughts didn’t make them rebound—it actually made them fade. Participants experienced reduced anxiety, depression, and vividness of their distressing memories. It’s not about pretending everything is fine. It’s about reclaiming control over the stories we tell ourselves.
This idea isn’t just about individual mindset. It’s a lens through which we can see the world—and 2024 had more to offer than meets the eye.
A Little Less Negative: What J.K. Rowling and Richard Curtis Teach Us
Let’s start with J.K. Rowling, who famously told Harvard graduates: "Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life." (Harvard Gazette)
She argued that failure—while painful—is often the ultimate declutterer, stripping away the unnecessary and leaving space for clarity and growth. It’s not about loving failure, but about loving what you learn through it.
And then there’s Richard Curtis, the mind behind Love Actually, who reminded us in the film’s iconic opening monologue: "Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport... Love is everywhere." (Watch the Scene)
It’s not just about romantic love. It’s about the small, quiet acts of kindness and resilience—the very things that often get drowned out by the noise of negativity.
So, what happens when we combine the two? We get this: failure doesn’t define us, and love—connection, hope, and kindness—isn’t a luxury. It’s what carries us forward, even when the world feels heavy.
2024 in Review: A Less Negative Year Than You Think
This year wasn’t perfect—what year ever is? But if we adopt a less negative lens, we can see the progress and resilience woven into the chaos.
Environmental Wins: Renewable energy adoption surged in 2024, with wind and solar now accounting for over 12% of global electricity generation. Scientists even developed enzymes capable of breaking down plastics in weeks instead of decades. (find out more)
Human Kindness: When earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria, ordinary people stepped up in extraordinary ways. A small café in Türkiye offered free meals to displaced families for months, while students in Germany raised $150,000 through charity concerts.
Plastic-Eating Enzymes Innovation: Scientists developed enzymes capable of breaking down plastics faster, a major step in tackling global pollution. (Learn More on the World Economic Forum )
Advancements in Immuno-Oncology: The field of immuno-oncology is making strides toward personalized and targeted therapies, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments. Individualized cancer vaccines tailored to each patient's tumor are among the innovations redefining cancer treatment.
Random Hacks of Kindness (RHoK): Established in 2009, RHoK is a global initiative where technologists collaborate to create open-source solutions for disaster response and recovery. Their efforts have addressed challenges during crises like earthquakes and floods, demonstrating the power of collective action in times of need. Random Hacks of Kindness
The Kindness Offensive: Based in London, this group orchestrates large-scale random acts of kindness, distributing goods to those in need. Their initiatives have provided support during various crises, showcasing how organized kindness can uplift communities.
In 2024, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly leveraged to address global challenges, contributing to various sectors:
Climate Action: AI models have been developed to predict and manage the impacts of climate change, aiding in disaster response and resource management.
Healthcare: AI-driven diagnostics and treatment plans have improved patient outcomes, particularly in underserved regions.
Education: Personalized learning experiences powered by AI have enhanced educational access and quality worldwide.
These advancements demonstrate AI's potential to contribute positively to society when applied thoughtfully and ethically.
For a more detailed analysis, you can explore the MIT Technology Review's coverage on AI for Good initiatives: AI for Good Summit Insights AI for Good
These aren’t just feel-good stories—they’re evidence that even in challenging times, progress and kindness persist. It’s all about where you choose
Get your dose of daily hope here: Greatest Acts of Kindness, Good News Movement Instagram, Future Crunch Website
Reframing the News: A Thought Experiment
One of the biggest culprits of negativity is how we consume news. Doomscrolling traps us in cycles of despair, but what if we reframed it?
Balance Your Feed: Follow accounts like @GoodNewsMovement or @FutureCrunch for positive stories and solutions. Future Crunch
Ask What’s Next: Instead of fixating on problems, look for solutions: “Who’s rebuilding? What progress is being made?”
Limit Exposure: Treat news like caffeine—consume it intentionally and never right before bed.
This isn’t about denial; it’s about preserving your energy for action and hope.
2025: A Year of Less Negative, More Love
As we step into 2025, let’s borrow some wisdom from J.K. Rowling, Richard Curtis, and even my husband’s dinner musings:
Let failure teach us, not define us.
Let kindness—whether in business, tech, or everyday life—be what we notice, not what we overlook.
Let’s think less negative—not to deny reality, but to create space for possibility.
Because if failure can be a foundation, and love is everywhere, what’s not to Love Actually about the year ahead?
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