To guard your thoughts from negativity, you must first identify negative thoughts and patterns. This means being aware of your thoughts and how they affect your mood and behavior. Negative thoughts can often be automatic and ingrained, making them difficult to recognize, but the more you practice, the easier it becomes.

Start by paying attention to the thoughts that run through your mind. Are they mostly positive or negative? Do they repeat themselves? Do they have a particular theme? Once you've identified negative thought patterns, you can start to challenge them.

One technique is to ask yourself whether the thought is true, helpful, or necessary. If it fails to meet any of these criteria, it's likely a negative thought that serves no purpose. Another technique is to reframe the negative thought into a positive one. For example, instead of "I'm not good enough," try "I'm doing my best, and that's all that matters."

It's also important to be aware of external factors that contribute to negative thoughts, such as social media or toxic relationships. Limiting exposure to these sources can help to reduce negativity in your life. Ultimately, identifying negative thoughts and patterns is the first step in guarding your thoughts from negativity and creating a more positive mindset.