Quite often when we're going
through a challenging time or we're just plain miserable we
invariably get the advice to just "think
positively!" Sometimes it's difficult to figure out exactly
what that means.
Perhaps
at times we would prefer to wallow. Surely there must be some merit in
wallowing. Indeed there may be, (time heals most wounds) however, at
some point we have to pick ourselves up and move on.
In order to do so, we must change our mindset or attitude from a
non-productive one, into one that is positive and progressive. Of
course we can't be in denial or adopt a Pollyannaish, rose-colored
glasses way of looking at the world. Negative feelings and
circumstances do exist and often serve as an indication that something
is not working or needs to be attended to. In such cases we must
employ positive
thinking and use it as a strategy for interpreting everything that
happens to us in a useful, constructive way in order to make our lives
work.
Here are some tips on how to develop a
positive thinking mindset and how to incorporate it into your daily
awareness:
Accept that you are here to grow and evolve.
Life doesn't always go smoothly. Not everything is meant to
be a joyride or exercise in pleasure. Life's lessons can be
difficult, but are more so if you approach them with avoidance and
apprehension. If you see them as opportunities to become stronger,
wiser and more resilient,
you are thinking positively and productively.
Learn to turn lemons into lemonade.
Look for the lessons to be learned in every situation.
Instead of feeling sorry for yourself when things don't go your
way, do what you can to make the best of it. You can learn to avoid
falling in the same traps, making the same mistakes and by doing so,
be the better for it.
As James Joyce said:
"A man's errors are
his portals of discovery."
Believe in yourself.
Know that you have a what it takes to succeed. Your dreams
and goals are an indication where your talents lie and where your
true potential is. Needless to say, you must develop your inherent
gifts; however, recognize that you have a unique contribution to
make. You're one of a kind.
"Magic is believing in yourself,
if you can do that, you can make anything happen." Johann
Wolfgang von Goethe
Acquire perseverance.
When you possess a positive thinking mindset you never give
up. You pursue your dreams, your
goals and objectives with everything
you've got and you don't settle for anything less. That's not
to say you won't have roadblocks and various setbacks along the
way. It just means that you won't let them stop you!
"Our greatest glory is not in
never failing, but in rising up every time we fail." Ralph
Waldo Emerson
Look for inspiration and support.
Read about and study the triumphs of others. Many successful
people have gone through challenging circumstances to get where they
are. Learning about their trials and tribulations can motivate
and inspire you to achieve what you desire to achieve. To help you
stay positive and focused, garner support
from family and friends.
So the next time some well-meaning person
tells you to think positively, just smile back confidently and let
them know that it's part of your everyday, productive
mindset.
