Complain less – we all complain. Even the happiest people complain. Very often we complain without realizing it.
We complain about big things and little things: “it’s too hot,” “it’s too cold,” “there’s too much traffic,” “this person shouldn’t be doing that,” and so on.
Complaining drains energy. Think of what it’s like when you’re around someone who complains a lot. You probably feel drained after being with them.
Certainly we all need to vent every once in a while when things seem to be too much, and I’m not talking about trying to be positive when you feel the opposite, but sometimes we can slip into a habit of complaining, rather than doing something about the issue, or working to become less judgmental.
I think the first step is to notice when you’re complaining or about to complain. I try to catch myself whenever I start complaining (even if it’s just a critical thought) and if I can notice it, I will try to turn the thought around to something more constructive and helpful. Sometimes I don’t notice it until after I’ve done it, but even the noticing is helpful because complaining really doesn’t feel good. Of course, sometimes it’s easier than others!
Each time you find yourself complaining think of what it’s doing to your energy and ask yourself if that’s really where you want your energy to go. Could you change the complaining into action or simply accept the situation and give your mind something else to focus on?
“Instead of complaining that the rose bush is full of thorns, be happy the thorn bush has roses.” ~Proverb
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