What is positive thinking?
Have you ever paid attention to how you talk to yourself? If not, you may want to take a minute and think about what you’ve said to yourself today. Your thoughts can be both negative and positive. They are the source of your subconscious mind arising from emotions and mood. These transactions can influence how you feel and respond to the events in your life.
Positive thinking is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the good side and the expectation that things will benefit you. It’s a training of your gratitude to the health, happiness and successes of yourself and others.
The benefits of positive thinking
More and more people are aware of positive thinking as a powerful tool to increasing your confidence, productivity and motivation. Research shows that being positive and happier not only can make you feel better, but also brings a lot of potential health benefits.
Positive thinking can promote a range of lifestyle habits that are important for your overall health. The health benefits can be both physical and mental – from increasing creativity to improving immune function to lowering stress to better physical well-being and a longer, happier life!
5 steps to start positive thinking practice
1. Identify your negative thinking
Before you start, look for any negative thoughts that may be in your mind. these normally can break into four categories:
- Blaming yourself: Do you take the blame when something bad happens?
- Expecting disaster: Do you expect the worst thing to happen when you have one set back?
- Focusing on bad things: Do you ignore any of the positives and get trapped in the negatives?
- Black-and-white thinking: Do you see things as good or bad, with no middle ground?
When you notice the negative thought, try to pause it and switch to the positive or focus on the solution. Remember, it may take some time to practise, so don’t feel bad if your negative thoughts keep coming.
2. Take control of your state
When something bad happens, try to appreciate the positive side, instead of getting upset and letting your feelings control you. Positive thinking allows you to enjoy the moment and be present. Be mindful of your thoughts and choose to focus on the positives in your life.
3. Review your habits
By reviewing and understanding your habits, you can be aware and connect to what may trigger your negative thoughts and reactions. Find the habits that make you fall into the negative thoughts and redirect your energy to develop empowering habits, which can utilize positive thinking.
4. Picture your best possible future
Try to imagine a bright vision of your future in detail – include health, relationships, career, habits, lifestyles. Research shows when you picture your life going well, you’re more likely to be happier in the present.
5. Surround yourself with positive people
Think of someone who’s had a profound impact on your life. It may be your friend, family member or a celebrity. Try to surround yourself with positive people and environment, so that you can absorb the positive thinking habits and self-talk from them.
The power of positive thinking can’t be underestimated!
Your thoughts can change your actions and in turn affect your relationships, careers and life. Take responsibility for your thinking, actions and feelings. You are the one who can determine your thoughts regardless of any outside influences. Remember, you can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. Let’s reframe your thoughts and get control of your emotions and life!
I absolutely agree, great post!
Love this, thanks team!