Carrying Negative Energy Forward: How It Holds You Back (& What I Do Instead)

I get it – life isn’t always smooth running (pun very much intended!). Some days, it feels like you’re stuck reliving tough moments or anxiously waiting for the next ‘big hit’. 

Why Do We Hold Onto the Bad Stuff?

Let’s be real: something negative happens, and instead of letting it pass, we carry it in our pockets, again and again. Sometimes, it’s not the single event that's the real problem. It’s the prolonged stress and anticipation – waiting for more bad news, worrying about something that might happen months down the line. Sound familiar? (I see it daily, not just in myself, but in friends, family, and the Runpreneur community.)

The Paralysis of Negative Energy

It’s like emotional paralysis – you know you’re stuck, but can’t quite move past it. Take, for example, financial stress: the bulk of the anxiety doesn’t come from a specific date, but from living in dread of it day after day. What’s worse? Letting those anxieties cloud your good days, making you withdrawn, irritable, and unable to enjoy life’s high points. Trust me, I’ve seen how this mindset can spiral into full-blown overwhelm, even depression.

How I Make the Shift – And You Can Too

Here’s my mantra: “Don’t let negative points dominate more of your life than they have to.” Easier said than done? Absolutely. But crucial. Here’s what I do:

• Compartmentalise: I do my best to only deal with an issue when it’s truly at hand. If nothing’s happening today, why let it steal my energy?

• Celebrate the Wins – Even Small Ones: Most people let go of happy moments too quickly and cling to bad ones. Do the opposite.

• Live for Today: If there’s nothing you can change right now, dedicate your day to living fully, not worrying about “what may come”.

• Recognise Habitual Negativity: If constant stress becomes your default, you will get stuck in a loop. Breaking that cycle is everything.

What I’ve Learnt Logging 1,757 Days – And Counting

There’s never a shortage of ups and downs. The secret isn’t avoiding the lows, but refusing to let them cast a shadow over every day. In those big life phases – grief, loss, career change, financial hardship – yes, you’ll have moments that hit hard. But don’t let the “waiting game” days define your emotional state.

My Challenge To You

Next time you find those negative thoughts building, pause. Ask yourself, “Is there actually anything happening right now, or am I carrying the weight of the past (or future) unnecessarily?” Choose – just for today – to let it go.

On my quest to run beyond 4,292 days, 40,075km and raise £1,000,000 for children’s causes, I’ve learnt: mindset is EVERYTHING. What we choose to carry, and what we choose to put down, could change your journey—not just in running, but in life.

Let’s Lift Each Other Up:
Drop a comment below – what’s your biggest challenge in letting go of negativity? How have you overcome it?
Your storey could help someone else move forward. Remember, every share gets us further towards our goal: more eyes, more support, more children’s lives saved.

Stay positive, stay happy,
Kevin – The Runpreneur

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Every like, comment, share or donation helps me get that bit closer to our BIG mission. Together, let’s run around the world—and make it a brighter one for children everywhere.