In this episode of Believe in Big Change, host Steve Pomeroy dives into one of the most common but overlooked struggles we all face: the negative mindset. He explores where negativity takes root, how it quietly shapes our daily lives, and—most importantly—practical steps we can take to transform it.

Steve begins by breaking down three major sources of negativity:

• Stress from work, finances, relationships, health, and life responsibilities that can quietly consume us without our awareness.
• Unhealthy or toxic environments—whether in childhood, relationships, or workplaces—that create patterns of negativity we may unconsciously carry into adulthood.
• Unresolved trauma, which can leave deep emotional imprints and fuel self-criticism, fear, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Through real-life examples and personal reflection, Steve highlights how negative thinking can show up in everyday life—perfectionism, self-rejection, over-focusing on criticism, fear of failure, and constantly expecting things to go wrong. Left unchecked, these patterns lead to low self-esteem, procrastination, victim mentality, self-sabotage, and even depression or addiction.

But the heart of this episode is not just recognizing the problem—it’s learning how to change it. Steve shares five powerful practices that have helped him and countless others reclaim their mindset and move toward growth:

1. Self-Compassion – Letting go of perfectionism, being gentle with yourself, and treating yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.
2. Self-Awareness – Creating space to notice your thoughts and feelings without judgment through meditation, journaling, nature walks, or quiet reflection.
3. Acceptance – Learning to accept yourself, others, and situations as they are—finding peace in what you can’t control and power in what you can.
4. Positive Self-Talk – Reframing thoughts, focusing on progress instead of setbacks, and practicing a “net positive” mindset to shift your perspective.
5. Gratitude – Choosing to focus on what’s good, however small, to attract more positivity into your life and shift from problem-focused thinking to solution-focused living.

Steve reminds us that change starts on the inside. By practicing compassion, awareness, acceptance, positivity, and gratitude daily, we can break free from destructive cycles, rebuild our confidence, and attract healthier relationships and opportunities.

Whether you’ve battled perfectionism, struggled with trauma, or simply feel weighed down by stress, this episode offers encouragement, practical tools, and the reminder that you are not your past—you can choose a new mindset today.

Steve closes with a heartfelt message of hope, courage, and love, inviting listeners to reach out, share their journey, and join the growing community of those who believe in big change.

Connect with Steve on Facebook (Steve Pomeroy – Believe in Big Change), Instagram, and Medium, where he writes about topics such as homelessness and resilience. And be sure to explore past episodes for more conversations on overcoming obstacles and creating lasting transformation.

Support the show

In the podcast you will learn more about:

1. The causes of perfectionism - where does it come from?
2. The negative adverse effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health
3. Key traits-characteristics of a perfectionist
4. How to overcome perfectionism thru increased self awareness, self acceptance, having a realistic plan and more.

Support the show

In this podcast you will learn more about:

1. One of the most common and most destructive negative thought patterns
2. Where perfectionism comes from
3. That we do not have to judge ourselves based on extremes
4. How we can re frame our thoughts and find the ‘gray’

Support the show

Support the show

In this podcast I discuss the importance of grieving a loss and ways to move through the process with support!

Support the show

In this episode I discuss why resentments contributed to me becoming alcoholic, relapsing, and nearly destroying my life.

Support the show

I'm going to talk about a subject that I can relate to in so many different ways. It's the subject of self sabotage. I'm also gonna share with you four ways that I use to prevent me from self sabotaging and if I am going down that path for me to identify where I'm at and have a plan to move out of that behavior.

Support the show

Support the show