Everyone has heard the expression "think positive". It is on posters, in the videos and on everyone's advice, even when nothing is not going well. However, what exactly does it mean?
We should understand that positive thinking is not a magic wand. It does not add money into your account and solve problems overnight. Actually, the approach implies a practical outlook on life.
Being an optimistic thinker is seeing difficulties in a positive light, solving problems, rather than complaining, finding a solution, and maintaining hope regardless of the situation.
Your perspective on life defines your decisions, your health condition, and success.
Continue reading to learn how a simple shift in your perspective can completely rewrite your reality.
Two Approaches Towards Life Situations
To understand how our thoughts influence us, we should analyze how different people perceive the same situation. The majority of individuals can be categorized by the type of their thinking into one of two groups.
The Optimistic Thinker
These people perceive life as a tool for personal development. When something goes wrong, they see it as a temporary obstacle, rather than a permanent wall. They seek lessons and positive aspects in any difficult situation. They help them remain positive and optimistic. To the optimists, the glass is always half full. They believe in their ability to cope with the situation.
The Pessimistic Thinker
On the contrary, the people struggling with pessimistic thinking often feel blocked or discouraged. They consider small difficulties as major barriers. They are always expecting the worst to happen that makes them afraid of trying something new. They view the glass as half-empty, and let fear make their decisions.
Fortunately, this type of thinking can be changed. Positive thinking is a skill which you can acquire with time. Just as exercising makes your muscles stronger, you can train your brain to think positively.
The Effect of Your Thoughts on Your Physical Wellbeing
Positive thinking is a proven concept that was scientifically proved. Physicians have been researching the connection between human mind and body for centuries. Having a happy and optimistic mind protects your physical health.
There are many health benefits of optimism including:
Longevity: Optimistic people tend to live longer.
Lower levels of stress and depression: Optimistic minds cope with difficulties better.
Healthy heart: Optimism decreases blood pressure and the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Stronger immunity: Happy thoughts protect from colds and other illnesses.
Ability to deal with the situation: When bad things happen, the optimists do not panic. On the contrary, they begin searching for solutions.
What makes this possible? Constantly worrying leads to accumulation of stress hormones that cause various diseases. By applying positive thinking, you reduce the level of stress and let your body regenerate. Moreover, optimists have healthy habits, including healthy eating, frequent exercises, and regular checkups.
Identifying Your Negative Thoughts
To develop a positive thinking mind, first of all, you should identify how your brain falls into the negative pattern of thinking. The phenomenon is known as self-talk, the constant dialogue in your head.
If your inner voice always criticizes you, you might be trapped into negative thought patterns. The following are the most common types of negative self-talk:
Filtering: It is the tendency to dwell only on negative aspects of the day, neglecting the positive ones. For instance, you perform perfectly well at your job, but spend the whole night worrying about a minor mistake you have made.
Personalization: You blame yourself for each and every problem that occurs. You feel that your friends canceled the dinner with you because they hate you.
Catastrophizing: You always assume that the worst thing will happen, without any proof. If your client is late for responding, you believe that you are going to lose your job.
Blaming: You blame others and luck for being unhappy, without taking responsibility for your actions.
Polarizing: You view everything as black or white, leaving no room for mistakes.
Perfectionism: Setting unrealistic goals makes you feel like a failure, despite the fact that you did well.
Steps to Transforming Your Thinking
The process of training the brain to eliminate negative thinking requires time and patience.
The following are five simple steps that will enable you to think positively:
1. Start Small
It is unrealistic to expect a transformation in a number of areas at once. Choose one part of your life, which tends to be overwhelming and focus on the positive outlook in that particular area.
2. Monitor Your Thoughts
A few times a day, stop and notice what you are thinking. In case you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts or complaining, gently transform the script. As an ultimate guide, never say anything to yourself that you would not say to a good friend.
3. Transform Your Internal Dialogue
In case of the occurrence of a negative thought, change it into something that promotes growth. Below are ways to turn your daily self-talk into positive statements:
Instead of: "I have never done this before; I am going to fail." Say to yourself: "This is an opportunity for me to learn something new."
Instead of: "This is too complex, I cannot do it." Say to yourself: "I will find the way to do it from another angle."
Instead of: "I don't have the resources to accomplish this." Say to yourself: "I will be creative and make use of what I have right now."
Instead of: "There is no way this is ever going to work." Say to yourself: "I am going to put all my effort into making it happen."
4. See the Funny Side and Be Thankful
Let yourself laugh at times in spite of difficult situations. Seeing the funny side of a situation helps in reducing stress instantly. At the same time, be thankful for what you have, instead of concentrating on what you lack.
5. Exercise
Physical activity is an excellent method to change your mental state. In case you feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts, take a short walk, stretch and do some physical activity in order to release the feel-good chemicals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, people tend to become what they think about. Positive thinking does not imply ignoring your problems or pretending to have everything under control. It only means the way of response to situations in life. By transforming your internal dialogue, you will create the power needed to overcome any difficulty and convert it into the path towards success.
For more information on how to break out of negative thoughts and achieve unlimited possibilities, consider the assistance of a guide. Contact Mohit Verma, professional business growth consultant & mindset coach today!