Are you tired of dwelling on negative thoughts and experiences? It's time to put an end to the cycle of negativity and embrace the power of positive thinking. Join us as we explore the science behind this self-help trend and discover the secret to a happier, more fulfilling life. From gratitude to positive affirmations, we've got all the tips and tricks you need to transform your outlook and improve your well-being. So sit back, relax, and get ready to change your life with a fun, sarcastic, and insightful look at the wonders of positive thinking.
Well, well, well. Another day, another trendy self-help buzzword making its rounds on the internet. Today, we're talking about positive thinking. That's right, it's time to put on your rose-colored glasses and take a deep dive into the magical world of being happy all the time. ... ummm, this is the goal, anyway.
The last thing one wants to hear when they're feeling down is "the glass is half full" metaphor. This is not at all helpful at that moment. To even desire that you want your glass to be full right then seems so unrealistic because it feels to you like the glass is either broken, stolen, or simply belongs to someone else. Those negative emotions such as sadness, disappointment, anger, frustration, or fear are normal, and it's crucial to acknowledge them and then move on.
When someone feeds you phrases like "c'mon, cheer up" or "you have to think positively" can definitely lead you to become deaf to it because it's just not helpful at that moment. It just seems that the person delivering , what they deem to be, such wise, sage advise, isn't taking into consideration the reality you're currently in. It's due to this very thing that this sort of toxic, generic, and seemingly fake positivity has given true positive thinking a bad rap. Nevertheless, true positive thinking that factors in reality can indeed be beneficial in the long run. It's that hope that leads to growth that will favorably contribute to our health and mental well-being.
Yes, while some individuals tend to be more optimistic than others, anyone can learn that seeking those opportunities to put away the negative thoughts and truly search for ways to make things better, instead of dwelling in the muck, could lead to those silver linings in life we all desire.
Let's start with the basics of what it means to think positive.
What exactly is positive thinking? According to some guru on the internet, it's the act of telling yourself positive things and focusing on the good in your life. You know, because life is so easy to control and all the bad things can simply be swept under the rug with a few positive affirmations. Man!, I wish I knew who this genius is, I'd like to shake his hand ... so abruptly that he loses his footing and falls off a cliff. .... Oh wow, did I just say that? Ooopsies, sorry.
C'mon, is it really just that simple? Do those people that feed us those lines really think we're that moronic that those simplistic barks are helpful? Shame on them for even thinking they can pull that crap on us.
Of course it's much more involved, and takes a real attempt at putting in the effort, to reach that breakthrough. It's not supposed to be easy, it's going to take some work, but anything and everything, worthwhile does, right?
So, let us pull up our adult pants and get to it.
Seriously, positive thinking is a scientifically backed approach to improving mental health and overall well-being. It's a way of training your brain to focus on the positive aspects of life, rather than dwelling on the negative. So, basically, it's a way of lying to yourself until you start believing it; eh, sort of. I know that seems like the jerk way of saying it, and I don't mean it that way. -See what I mean about my sarcastic streak? Hopefully you'll become accustomed to it enough that it won't drive you away. In the words of that wise ol' man,
"I am what I am" -- Yosemite Sam ... Man!, how's that for dating myself.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "This is all well and good, but I'm already struggling just to get out of bed in the morning. How am I supposed to suddenly become a ray of sunshine?" Don't worry, my friend. Positive thinking isn't about being happy all the time. It's about learning to manage and cope with negative thoughts and emotions in a more healthy way.
Norman vincent peale
Problems are to the mind, what exercise is to the muscles,
when worked out, they make you stronger.
Let's take a step back and ask ourselves a few questions:
- Do you often find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts or experiences?
- Do you struggle with low self-esteem or negative self-talk?
- Do you find it difficult to see the silver lining in difficult situations?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then positive thinking could be just what you need to turn your life around.
But how exactly does it work? Well, it all comes down to the way our brains are wired. Our brains are naturally wired to focus on the negative. This is because in our ancestors' days, this focus on negativity was a survival mechanism. It helped us avoid danger and stay alive. However, in today's world, this negative bias is more of a hindrance than a help. It causes us to dwell on the bad, ignore the good, and ultimately suffer from chronic stress and anxiety. It's so, so helpful to have this information because who doesn't want to reduce stress?
Enter positive thinking. By making a conscious effort to focus on the positive, we can train our brains to adopt a more balanced and healthy outlook on life. This can help improve our self-esteem, boost our mood, and reduce stress and anxiety levels. It's like hitting the reset button on your brain, but without actually having to undergo brain surgery; or call Tech Support.
Some people have certain traits that they display as proof they have positivity flowing through them. Here's a list of some of those traits that we can emulate. ...
- Refraining from complaining, no matter how much something sucks, or seems downright unfair.
(It's a waste of time to complain, especially if it's something beyond your control. Instead, do something about it.) - Being encouraging to someone you know; tell them how great of a job they did with "____________" (fill-in-the-blank). Say it, and actually mean it. Then watch for the smile.
- Here's a simple one ... smiling more. I know I'm guilty of this one. I've been told that I have a sour, grumpy resting face. I don't mean to, but it must be true because I've heard it time and time again. Don't cause someone else to shy away from you because they deem you to be unapproachable.
- Being a giving person, without an expectation of having that favor returned. You do it because it's the right thing to do.
- Dealing with whatever life throws at them without having a fit and allowing it to derail their whole day. Finding a way to make the best of it; and figuring out how to avoid it from happening again.
- The ability to rise back up after falling, regardless of how many times it happens. This shows resilience and fortitude.
- Honoring relationships over material things. Giving importance to the people and not to the stuff we already have too much of.
- Paying a compliment to someone, even to a total stranger. This could very well make someone's day, and you've done a good deed, which in turn brings some joy to you as well.
- Confronting a negative head on, and not allowing it to phase them. This one is easier said than done, but very possible. Don't allow something negative to defeat you. It happens, so what? Hate it for the moment, and then move passed it.
- Not attaching themselves to the negativity that someone close to them is spewing out. You know, like that one friend or co-worker that seems to always have a negative attitude; and has a way of somehow transferring that negativity to you? Stop falling for it. Yes, it's sad that they're grumpy and down, but there's no reason for you to carry that as well.
- Listening to someone when they have an issue they want to share. Be sympathetic and caring. Express your willingness to help if they'll allow you to. Do not have that all so common attitude of, "well, that's not my problem" , and leave them in the lurch, alone and bewildered.
- Being that spark of energy that motivates others around them. This exemplifies positivity.
- Being truly happy for someone else's successes and achievements.
What are some of the benefits of Positive Thinking?
Benefits of Positive ThinkingWhy Having a Positive Mindset is Important  |
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Improved mental health: Positive thinking can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and promote overall mental well-being. Increased resilience: Positive thinking helps you develop a resilient mindset, which enables you to bounce back from setbacks and challenges with greater ease. Better physical health: Studies suggest that positive thinking can improve immune function, reduce stress levels, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Enhanced creativity: Positive thinking can stimulate creativity and innovation, enabling you to come up with new and better ideas. Improved relationships: Positive thinking can help you develop more positive relationships with others, as you are more likely to see the best in people. Increased motivation: Positive thinking can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when faced with challenges and obstacles. Greater success: Positive thinking can improve your self-confidence and belief in yourself, which can lead to greater success in all areas of life. Improved problem-solving skills: Positive thinking can help you approach problems with a more constructive and optimistic mindset, leading to better problem-solving skills. Increased happiness: Positive thinking can promote feelings of happiness and contentment, even during difficult times. Better quality of life: Positive thinking can help you live a more fulfilling and satisfying life, as you are more likely to focus on the positives and appreciate what you have. Improved decision-making: When you approach decisions with a positive mindset, you are more likely to make thoughtful and informed choices that align with your values and goals. Increased optimism: Positive thinking can foster a sense of optimism and hope, helping you to see the potential for growth and progress even in difficult circumstances. Greater self-awareness: Positive thinking can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness, as you become more attuned to your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Better coping skills: Positive thinking can equip you with better coping skills, allowing you to handle stress and adversity more effectively. Increased productivity: Positive thinking can improve your productivity and performance, as you are more likely to approach tasks with a focused and optimistic mindset. |
Positive thinking can lead to greater empathy and understanding towards others, as it promotes a mindset of compassion and kindness. |
Positive thinking can improve your overall sense of well-being, as it fosters feelings of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment. |
earl nightingale
You can do everything, you can try to stop bad things from happening to you, but eventually things will happen. SO the best prevention is a positive attitude.
So, how do you get started with positive thinking?
Practice gratitude
Start each day by writing down three things you're grateful for. No, "I'm grateful for coffee" does not count. Get creative. Really explore this and take a truly introspective look at your life. And remember, the idea here is to focus on the positive things. Surely you can find a few of those, right?
replace negative self-talk
Another good practice, is to begin replacing the negative self-talk with positive affirmations: Every time you catch yourself saying something negative about yourself, replace it with a positive affirmation. For example, "I'm such a failure" becomes "I am capable and competent."
Focus on the good
Try to see the positive in every situation, no matter how difficult it may be. Yes, of course this takes some effort and could tend to be challenging, it's true, but the way I see it is, everything worthwhile does. Don't you agree?
- Find your passion: When we are passionate about something, it becomes easier to see the good in life. So, whether it's cooking, gardening, or rock climbing, find a hobby or activity that you're passionate about and make time for it every week.
- Reframe negative situations: Instead of seeing a situation as bad or negative, try to reframe it as an opportunity for growth or learning. This can help you find the positive in even the most challenging circumstances.
- Surround yourself with positivity: Whether it's books, music, or social media, make sure that the things you surround yourself with are positive and uplifting. Avoid negative news and media, and instead, focus on sources that inspire and encourage you.
- Give back: Finally, one of the best ways to increase your happiness and well-being is by giving back to others. Whether it's volunteering, donating money, or simply helping a friend, the act of giving can help you feel more fulfilled and connected to the world around you.
- Incorporate positive affirmations: Positive affirmations are short, positive statements that you repeat to yourself to help build confidence and boost your mood. Choose affirmations that resonate with you and repeat them to yourself throughout the day.
In conclusion, positive thinking is a powerful tool for enhancing your mental health and overall well-being. By focusing on the positive, you can train your brain to see the world in a more optimistic light and cultivate happiness, resilience, and joy. So why wait? Embrace positivity today and start reaping the benefits. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, finding your passion, reframing negative situations, surrounding yourself with positivity, or incorporating positive affirmations, there is a wealth of tools and strategies available to help you transform your outlook and improve your life. So go ahead, put on your best smile, and start making positive changes today! With a little effort and a lot of determination, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve and how much happier and fulfilled you'll feel.
Remember, "Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will." -- Zig Ziglar
Now, I realize that this post is brief. To really dial in this topic and give absolutely all the information and details on what positive thinking is and how beneficial it is if you implement some of the principles, this article would be extremely long. My team and I met and talked about this and we have plans on compiling an ebook to offer you. Stay tuned for that.
Till next time … relax, stay calm, and enjoy, as you continue to Navigate This Life.
