Archive for the ‘Self Improvement’ Category
10 Easy Steps to Positive Thinking
We all know that positive thinking can make a huge difference in creating success in your life. Here are 10 very easy ways you can make minor adjustments to your daily life that can have a very positive impact on your outlook on life and how others perceive you.
- Take Good Care of Yourself. It’s much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
- Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For. Stresses and challenges don’t seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that are right in your life. Every day take just one minute to make note of your achievements, your strengths and your blessings.
- Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions. Do not waste your time worrying about the “What if’s” in the world. If you cannot validate a fear as fact then put it aside as unfounded and move on.
- Refrain from Using Absolutes. Have you ever told a partner “You’re ALWAYS late!” or thought “I NEVER get considered for a promotion!”? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ make circumstances seem worse than they are, and programs your brain into believing that certain situations are impossible.
- Detach From Negative Thoughts. Negativity attracts negativity. Non-productive thoughts can be infectious. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, recognize it, and set it aside.
- Squash the “ANTs”. In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen talks about “ANTs” – Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are reactionary negative assumptions, like “Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me,” or “The boss wants to see me? I did something wrong!” Do not imagine the worst. Keep your thoughts positive and you will address all situations in a positive manner.
- Practice Lovin’, Touchin’ & Squeezin’ (Your Friends and Family). You don’t have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn’t touch!
- Increase Your Social Activities With Your Prospective Peers. Surround yourself with healthy, happy, successful people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way! Social activities will prevent you from being lonely, will open doors to new contacts and experiences. Success is a learned behavior, by exposing yourself to successful people you will begin to learn success patterns.
- Get Involved With Charities or Lend a Helping Hand. Volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return. Having a “Pay It Forward” attitude will make you feel good inside which will project into other areas of your life.
- Be a Part of The Solution and Not Part of The Problem. If you find yourself focusing on an obstacle; stop. Take a step back and focus instead on finding a solution. Limiting your mind to problems will prevent you from moving forward to creating successful resolutions.
Negativity is often an unconsious reaction. Training your brain to focus on the positive takes a little bit of conscious effort on your part but the benefits are worth the effort. Work on incorporating one of these tips in your life until they become habit and then move on to the next tip. You will be surprised how quickly your mind responds to positive thinking and the effects it has on those around you.
January, 2010
(June 2009 issue, page 95)
