Unmotivated Teen

7/12/2009

Do you know an unmotivated teen? Probably. Teenagers are going through a lot of physical and emotional changes, and sometimes it's overwhelming. The result of that can sometimes mean that a teen won't try or do anything. Maybe they feel empty inside, or fear failure, or just always seem to expect the worst.

These are common mindsets that lead to negative thoughts, which have a tendency of multiplying and taking hold of someone.

However, it is very possible to turn negative thought patterns into positive ones. It just takes some awareness -- as well as practice, patience and persistence by focusing on thoughts that are better than the negative ones until the positive thoughts in turn begin to expand and take over. In other words, force the positive thoughts to outweigh the negative ones!

So, if you know an unmotivated teen, then you need to help them with this process. Remind them to stay positive. Set a great example by staying positive yourself with your life. This doesn't mean you have to become a cheerleader or constant pep rally person, but it means staying consistent with your message. When you hear negativity, nip it in the bud... As with everything, this takes practice and repetition for it to take hold.

Here are some actions an unmotivated teen can take on a daily basis to build a positive attitude:

1. Start developing self-awareness. Negative thoughts often form below the conscious level of awareness. We get so used to them being in our head that we hardly notice anymore. To turn this tide of negativity, you have to develop a deeper level of self-awareness. Notice where you are putting your focus. Catch your negative thoughts. Check yourself several times a day. Pay attention first to how you feel. If you're feeling negative, irritable, pessimistic or stressed then choose a thought that feels better, or change your focus to something that uplifts you.

2. Now that you are aware of them you can challenge and change the negative thoughts. Willpower and concentration are great things when used. What you say with your inner voice silently governs everything you do and ultimately how well you do it. Even though nothing has changed in your outer circumstances, this type of inner self-talk can result in you thinking and feeling more positively.

3. Work constantly (at least daily) on having positive expectations. Make it a habit. Each day when you wake up, tell yourself that it will be a good day. It may sound corny to do this, but if you're consistent with it, it works!

4. Instead of seeing obstacles in life, see them instead as exciting challenges. Spark your inner competitiveness. We all like to win when we compete. Make this a little game for yourself. If you work at shifting the way you look at the experiences of your life, you'll be surprised at how quickly your negative thought habits will dissolve.

So remember, teens need to be consistent when changing their negative habits, and it's so much easier for them to do, when others in their lives not only don't reinforce the negativity, but set a good example of being positive.

Click here for more ways to help an unmotivated teen.