The Power of… Positive Thinking

So, how does one become a positive thinker? The answer is simple: with practice. Turning negative thinking into positive thinking will not happen overnight, and it can often be an involved process. For many of us, negative thinking is so ingrained in our psyches that breaking the habit can require a fair amount of discipline. However, it is possible, and the rewards are well worth the effort.

Assess Your Thoughts

In order to turn our thoughts around, we first have to understand how our individual minds work. It’s important to assess your thoughts, both negative and positive, and the rates at which each occur. Also, after we take inventory of our negative thoughts, we must identify the triggers that cause them. Once these negative triggers are identified, we are more apt to avoid or eliminate them.

Use Positive Language

Negative words breed negative behaviors. Make up your mind to eliminate certain negative words and phrases from your vocabulary, and see how quickly it improves your interactions with others.

By using positive language, we are able to trick our subconscious minds into thinking positively! So even if you feel the need to say something negative, bite your tongue and turn it into a positive. Soon, using positive language will become second nature.

Eliminate Negativity

We all have triggers that can lead to negative thoughts. For some, it could be a bad job environment or stress due to financial difficulties. For others, certain individuals or relationships can trigger negative thoughts and behaviors.

One great way to avoid these negative thought triggers is to surround yourself with positive images and people. For example, if your work environment is stressful and leads to negative thoughts, think of ways to make bring happiness into your workplace. This can be as simple as placing personal photos or flowers on your desk or planning enjoyable activities on your lunch break. Whistling while we work, so to speak, can help us remain positive through even the toughest days and environments.

Avoidance of negative people, such as friends, coworkers or family members, can be a little trickier. But while we sometimes can’t eliminate these individuals from our lives, we can control how their negativity affects us. It’s important to remember not to let the negativity of others affect our happiness and positivity. When interacting with negative individuals, always make an effort to stay upbeat and use positive language. By doing so, you just may make an impression on the negative people in your life, which could help them transform their thought processes as well!

Sometimes, though, we are faced with toxic friendships and relationships. There is little joy in these relationships, and they can be physically and emotionally draining. In these cases, it may be best to avoid these individuals, if not cut ties completely. We must keep in mind our goal of total happiness and positivity, and refuse to let any negativity stand in our way.

Use Verbal Affirmations

Affirmations are verbal declarations that can be used to enforce positive thinking. The following phrases are all great examples of positive affirmations:

• “I am positive!”
• “I will succeed!”
• “I am a happy person!”
• “I will have a good day!”

Affirmations are a shining example of mind over matter. If we say it often enough, we begin to believe it. Plus, they just feel good to say! Think of at least two daily affirmations, and say them aloud several times a day. At first, you may need a little help remembering to say your affirmations, so leave yourself little reminders in the form of notes, emails or an alarm clock.

When life throws new challenges your way, add new affirmations accordingly. You’ll be surprised at just how effectively a few simple, positive words can transform your entire thought process. Through affirmations, we are able to turn positive thoughts into reality.

Be Nice

In today’s hectic society, very few people seem to uphold the value of being nice. However, by smiling at others, being polite and speaking in a nice tone of voice, we’re able to feel better about ourselves and, in the process, spread the message of positive thinking.

Enjoy Life’s Small Pleasures

It’s too often that we take the small things for granted. We’re too busy or stressed to take time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. However, by noticing and appreciating the little things, we’re better able to deal with our problems in a more positive manner.

For example, the next time you have a bad day or catch yourself engaging in negative thoughts or behaviors, make an effort to take in the beauty around you. This beauty can be found in laughter, a smiling face, a wildflower or a bird outside your window. Joy in the little things will help us stay strong and positive through the hard times.

Through positive thinking, we are able to better ourselves from the inside out. Unlock the power of positivity and enjoy all the benefits it provides for the body, mind and soul!