How to Think Positively
What
does 'think positively' really mean?
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.
Does it mean to deny our pain or
discomfort?
Should we pretend everything is alright?
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 mindsets, or attitudes,
from
being non-productive to those that are 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 attention. In
such cases we must employ positive thinking and use it as a
strategy for interpreting what happens to us in a useful, constructive
way to make our
lives work better. Of course, it doesn't mean denying pain and
discomfort. It
means making sense of them and using what we can to strengthen our
resolve and build resilience
muscle.
Tips on Developing a Positive Thinking Mindset
- 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 the situation. Learn instead, how to avoid falling
into the same traps and
making the same mistakes. By doing so, you will undoutedly 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 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.
- 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 that which you choose to achieve.
To help you stay
positive and focused, garner support
from family and friends.
"Most of us, swimming against the tides of
trouble the
world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement -
and we will make the goal." Jerome Fleishman
The Benefits of Thinking Positively
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is a
wide range of health benefits linked to thinking positively. Here are
some of them:
- Better overall psychological health
- Lower rates of depression
- Longer life expectancy
- Lower stress levels
- Increased resistance to the common cold
- Better stress management and coping skills
- Lower risk of heart disease and related death
- Increased physical well-being
Ultimately, thinking positively doesn't mean being
unrealistic,
or deluded. It means dealing with life and life's challenges as they
are. It means willing to do the work necessary to get on with the
business of living fully with everything it entails. So the next time
a 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.
Back
to Personal Development Articles
Think Positively Quotes
Tips
on Overcoming Adversity