Neuroticism is a personality trait that involves emotional instability, anxiety, and negative thinking. Individuals with high levels of neuroticism often struggle in their professional and personal lives due to their emotional instability. However, the good news is that one can overcome neuroticism by following these 12 steps:

1. Self-awareness: Recognize your neurotic tendencies and understand how they affect your everyday life. Acknowledging the issue is the first step towards overcoming it.

2. Identify triggers: Understand what causes your neurotic behavior, such as specific situations or interactions with certain people.

3. Set realistic expectations: Evaluate your goals and set achievable targets for yourself in order not to put unnecessary stress upon you.

4. Journaling: Keep a daily journal where you document your emotions and thoughts; this can help you better understand your thought patterns and develop coping strategies.

5. Practice mindfulness: Engage in activities like meditation or yoga that promote self-awareness, focus on your emotions and thoughts while remaining non-judgmental about them.

6. Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Adopt healthier ways of dealing with stress and anxiety, such as engaging in physical activity, seeking social support, or practicing deep breathing techniques.

7. Seek therapy: Working with a mental health professional can help you better understand your thought patterns and provide guidance on how to address them effectively.

8. Distraction techniques: Shift your attention away from negative thoughts by engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy.

9. Acceptance: Learn to accept certain aspects of life that are beyond your control instead of constantly worrying about them.

10. Focus on the positives: Emphasize the positive aspects of your life and practice gratitude regularly to keep negative thoughts at bay.

11. Establish routines: Having a daily routine can help create a sense of stability in your life which may reduce feelings of anxiety and other neurotic tendencies.

12. Support system: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can help you stay grounded and encourage your progress in overcoming neuroticism.

By following these 12 steps, you can gradually reduce your levels of neuroticism and feel more in control of your emotions, leading to a happier and healthier life. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and remember that change takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate each small victory along the way.