Let’s face it, we’ve all had those days where nothing seems to go right. Your hair's a mess, your boss is on a rampage, and you’ve spilt tea down your favourite jumper. Sounds like it’s time to press CTRL + ALT + DEL on life, doesn’t it? Well, here’s the good news: you can! Just like your trusty computer, you can reboot your mind, reset your attitude, and start afresh.
But let’s break it down, shall we? Here’s how you can apply the CTRL + ALT + DEL formula to your everyday life and banish negativity like the pro you are!
CTRL - CONTROL Your ACTIONS
The first step to this magical reboot is to control your actions. Now, before you roll your eyes and say, "I can't control everything," hear me out. While you can't control everything that happens around you, you can definitely control how you react to it. So, step one of my guide is to take the reins on your reactions.
Tyre Puncture on the Motorway
You're driving along the motorway (highway for the Canadians and Americans), minding your own business, when you suddenly hear that dreaded thunk thunk thunk sound. Yes, your tyre has decided to puncture at the worst possible time. You could, of course, slam your hands on the steering wheel, curse the road, the car, and the universe for conspiring against you. But let's be real: none of that will change the situation. Instead, take a deep breath, signal to pull over safely, and call for roadside assistance. If you’re a badass like me, you know how to the tyre. Take it one step at a time and you’ll be on your way. Look at the positive – you got to use your learned skills again!
By controlling your reaction, you’re not only keeping calm and safe, but you're also saving yourself from unnecessary stress. You can’t always stop inconveniences like tyre punctures from happening, but you can certainly choose how to deal with them. Plus, losing your temper won’t magically fix that flat!
In short, controlling your actions gives you power over your day. Don’t let a flat tyre (or any unexpected situation) derail your peace of mind.
The Queue at Tesco
You’re standing in line at Tesco (grocery store in England, UK), and the person in front of you has decided that now is the time to argue with the cashier about a 20p coupon. Meanwhile, you’re running late and can feel the frustration bubbling up. Instead of letting that inner rage monster out, take a moment to control your actions. Could you use this time to check your emails or scroll through your social feed? Can you find humour in the situation? Controlling your reaction doesn’t mean suppressing your feelings – it’s about choosing the healthiest response.
In short, controlling your actions gives you power over your day. Don’t let the Karen’s of the world or minor inconveniences control you.
ALT - ALTER Your THOUGHTS
Ah, the mind. A beautiful, chaotic place where all your thoughts dwell. Sometimes it’s filled with dreams and aspirations, and other times, it’s like a tabloid full of negative headlines. The trick here is to alter your thoughts when they take a negative turn. Sounds a bit fluffy, right? But hang in there, we’ve got examples to make it real.
“I’m Not Good Enough”
We’ve all had this thought pop into our heads at one point or another. Maybe you’re applying for a job and the voice of self-doubt creeps in, whispering, “Who do you think you are? You’re not good enough for this.” Instead of letting that 
thought grow like a weed, it’s time to alter it. Turn it into, “I have skills and experience that make me the right person for this role. I’m worthy of success.”
Altering your thoughts is about catching those negative gremlins as soon as they appear and replacing them with something more realistic, optimistic, or at least neutral. It’s not about blindly thinking “everything is perfect,” but more about realising that your thoughts shape your reality. Why not shape a good one? I have a few blogs about How Thoughts are so powerful. They can change and shape your life! Here are the blogs, I mentioned earlier:
- Mirror Mirror On The Wall: What the hell are you manifesting?
- Mind Over Matter: The Power of Positive Thinking
- Unveiling the Fabulous Art of Self-Love A Fun-Fueled Journey to Embracing Your Needs
- Unleash Your Inner Dynamo: Defying Doubt, Embracing Action, and Manifesting Your Dreams
- How Negative Self-Talk Holds You Back?
“Everything Always Goes Wrong for Me”
Ever had one of those days where nothing goes right? Maybe you missed the bus, forgot your umbrella, and spilled coffee all over your work papers. It’s easy to think, “Why does this always happen to me?”
Well, spoiler alert: it doesn’t. By altering that mindset, you could say, “Okay, today’s a bit of a mess, but it’s just one day. Things will get better.” This simple shift can make all the difference between spiralling into a pity party and bouncing back with resilience.
DEL - DELETE NEGATIVITY
Last but certainly not least, we come to the big one: delete negativity. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but it’s also the most important. Negativity is like a computer virus – it spreads, slows everything down, and makes your life malfunction. So, it’s time to drag that negative junk to the trash bin and hit "delete"!
Nearly every blog I have written will always show how to train your mindset to positivity. I know we can’t be positive all the time but little by little with practice and being mindful we stop feeling being overwhelmed, tired, with huge weights on our shoulders!
Toxic People
We all know that one person who just drains the life out of you. Maybe it’s a friend who never has anything nice to say or a colleague who thrives on gossip and negativity. These people are like energy vampires, because they suck the good energy around them and the best way to protect yourself is by hitting delete on the relationship. That doesn’t always mean cutting them out entirely, but it does mean limiting your exposure. Set boundaries and choose not to engage in their toxic behaviour. Your mental health will thank you.
Negative Self-Talk
Deleting negativity doesn’t just apply to the people around you; it’s also about that inner dialogue. Do you often find yourself saying things like, “I can’t do this,” or “I always mess up”? It’s time to delete that script and rewrite it with something more empowering. Start with small affirmations like, “I’m learning and growing,” or “I’m doing the best I can.” The more you practise deleting negative thoughts, the easier it becomes to replace them with something constructive. 50 Affirmations Ready for You
News and Social Media Overload
The world can be a pretty intense place, and constant exposure to negative news stories or toxic social media rants isn’t doing you any favours. While it’s important to stay informed, there’s a difference between staying up-to-date and marinating in negativity. If you find yourself scrolling through Twitter feeling angry or upset, it might be time to hit delete. Unfollow accounts that drain you, and limit your news intake to avoid getting overwhelmed. Fill your feed with positivity, humour, and inspiration instead!
I haven’t watched the news in over 10 years. If its important, it will show up in my newsfeed on Facebook or Instagram or someone will be talking about it and if its important I will explore it further.
I found watching the news late at night was making me sad, miserable and upsetting. The negative thoughts used to impact everything I did in the morning including how I treated myself and others around me. As soon as I stopped watching the news, I go to bed happy and wake up early with a smile on my face knowing I’m alive and have another day to live!
The Reboot: Time for Action!
So there you have it, my friend – the CTRL + ALT + DEL guide to rebooting your mindset. Controlling your actions, altering your thoughts, and deleting negativity are the keys to a happier, more empowered you. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that?
Here’s a little exercise for you: take five minutes today and write down three things you can control, three negative thoughts you can alter, and three sources of negativity you can delete from your life. It doesn’t have to be anything major – just small, actionable steps that will make a difference.
Remember, you’re in charge of your life, not the other way around. With a little CTRL + ALT + DEL, you’ve got everything you need to reset, reboot, and thrive. Now go out there and show the world who's boss!
Are you ready to hit reset? Drop a comment below and let me know what you’re CTRL + ALT + DEL-ing from your life today!
