How Can We Begin to Overcome the Habit of Complaining? 31

Thank you, I am a chronic complainer who knows the damage it has on others and myself. I've made progress and these suggestions will help me to break this habit.

1. Decide to complain less
2. Embrace life's imperfections
3. Discern criticism from complaint
4. Be mindful of your audience
5. Avoid starting a conversation with a complaint
6. Avoid complaining for validation
7. Identify triggers
8. Experiment

As odd as it sounds we found we complained less when we ditched the tv where so many shows were based on complaining about something. Being more physically active outside, and learning to be more content with stillness and less chatter has changed my life to the point I talk less (smiling) and talking less means less complaining.

After we lent our copy of Cal Newport's 2019 book Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World to a friend they noted that ALL their family members complained less once they reduced their time where trolls flourish.

Took down notes on all the negative outcomes of complaining ... whew! And already, when I opened my mouth several times to say something, remembering the outcomes, I shut it. My world's gonna be a quieter place for sure.

I've recently been more aware of my complaining and sad about the effect it has on my family.
I've been needing a way to tackle this and these tips are so useful! Many thanks! Love the content by the way

This is very helpful. I've been complaining for years without realizing it, until my co-worker pointed out that I always complain. It has been a habit taken from my family and it has a negative impact on my life. Thanks a lot!

Complaining to validate is something my friends and I do often. I definitely need to be more mindful of that. Thanks for these tips. Very helpful.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for this post! I so needed to hear this because I'm driving my family absolutely crazy by complaining so much!

Lots of things to complain about! Rarely a healthy issue, and impacts others and our attitude!

1. Decide to make a change
- Never thought how it affects us
- Give rather than drain
2. Embrace the reality of an imperfect world
- Life will NEVER go the way you wanted
- Instead, focus on contribution rather than your pleasure
3. Consider difference between criticism and complaining
4. Be mindful of your audience
- Use problem solving language if they can help, if not tread lightly
- Preface as a vent if needed, keep it brief
5. Don't start with a conversation with a complaint
6. Refuse to complain for the sake of validation
- Don't seek to impress others
7. Notice your triggers to complain
- Avoid your triggers, if possible
- Be aware
8. Try it as an experiment
- One day trial, no complaining

Very good reminders! It’s so easy to get in the habit of complaining. Especially when others do around you.

Thank you for addressing this... I'm tired of being a complainer, and am willing to make a change, one day at a time.

Thank you Mr. Joshua I have been following your work since 2 years & your wisdom has been helpful in my life. As a toddler mom & a wife I do tend to complain & I myself am weary about it. All you said is true, there is a particular time when I do it that is evening. I tried 21 day positivity challenge, will try no complaining 21 day challenge. Thank you once again

When I want to stop an unwanted behavior such as complaining, in my mind I say a prayer.

Joshua, great words. I think this would be your best content. Such wise words and extremely helpful

So glad I found this content. I'm ready to stop complaining so much. Unhappiness has found a dwelling place in my life and it's just not okay. Now that I'm married, it's even more important for me to stop this bad habit. Thank you for this excellent advice

Complaining is contagious and brings everyone around you down! This is a great content! Let's stay out of that victim mindset

That list of complaints was pretty complete. It had me chuckling because it's the truth.

Wow! This was fantastic. I’ve saved it to refer to again. This is definitely one of your best, Joshua and so needed by almost all of us.

I m chronic complainer... I feel like people around me are getting distant because of this habit of me.

I am going to have to read this content on repeat. I need this in my life.thank you for your wise advice!

Great content. I am guilty of complaining too much sometimes and I feel like I'm a negative person. I don't want to bring people down. I've always disliked people who complain about everything, and here I am doing the same will try these tips, thanks!

Thank you so much for this reminder!
Good suggestions, and I want to change this. My trigger is fatigue. I pray to be more mindful.

Thank you for this it was a timely message. I don't like to complain but I have been focused on one person in particular lately and I really need to get off it and change my focus. Thanks for the encouragement in that direction and I'm going to try to keep my mouth shut on that topic for a day and maybe it'll keep it going! Thanks again

Maaaaan, I would rate this one of your top three contents. Sooo useful!

One of my favourite contents. Congratulations and thank you!

This is such good advice. Love from Norway!

Amen Mr. Joshua...thank you for this!

Wow! I really needed this today - thank you.

Great thinking Joshua. I will try to remember your words of wisdom.

I try to avoid triggers and yet they happen anyway especially when it’s out of my control. I just lose it sometimes. I’m guilty of this sometimes.