1. You must first step back and take a look at what is going on inside of you. Step back from your thinking and identify what needs to be changed. By doing this you are at a higher psychological level where change can take place.
2. Look at your negative thoughts and try to find the positive intention. Try to find a way you can think about negative thoughts in a positive way.
3. Praise yourself for caring about you. Thank yourself for wanting to change and be more positive in your life.

When we find ourselves around negative people our thoughts and emotions often times are more negative than positive. The best way to deal with negative people is to remove yourself from the situation as quickly as you can. This however is not always possible. There are other ways of dealing with negativity. If you are involved in a conversation that begins to turn negative, try to steer it back to a positive focus. Remember to always be a positive part of the conversation or situation.

Try to find something positive about the negative person to focus on. This maybe difficult but everyone has redeeming qualities you just need to find one. It could be their hair, or a new scarf they are wearing. When you are able to focus on something positive about the person it will neutralize the negative energy. Try to remember a person's negativity is often an expression of their inner doubt, despair and sadness. Avoid feelings of hate, instead try to see the despair and sadness that the person is feeling.

You can reduce negative energy by closing your eyes. This may not be possible if you are engaged in a face to face conversation. If you are in a situation where you cannot close your eyes, try blinking more slowly. When you close your eyes, even if it is only for a second, you are less susceptible to negative energy because you are in a more relaxed state of mind. Also, focus part of your awareness on your breathing. Notice the air moving in and out of your body. Become aware of your chest and stomach expanding as you breathe. Try to become aware of the rhythm of your breathing and see if you can deliberately slow your breathing down.

If no matter how hard you try to maintain positive thoughts, you find a conversation or situation has become negative, try to focus a part of your mind to something positive in your life. Insert just a small positive thought or memory into the situation.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you find yourself pulled down into that negativity you have been trying to avoid. Try not to judge yourself too harshly, it will only add to the feelings and thoughts that are negative. The best thing to do is be kind to yourself and forgive yourself, then move on. Remember like your mother always told you, "If you fall off, get right back on and try again."