The power of positive thinking isn’t about simply being happy. It’s a way to change your attitude toward a more optimistic outlook. A positive attitude can help you overcome even some of the toughest challenges you face in life. Ready for more good news? You, too, can learn this skill.
A lot of self-help books would like you to believe that positive thinking is all about the pursuit of happiness. And if you just think you can, you will, goes the belief. At best, it’s a simplified approach. It’s also a myth.
As to whether optimism leads to good health or the other way around, the jury is still out. However, health studies have demonstrated the advantage of positive thinking. When it’s applied to team sports, guess which group comes out ahead?
To take it one step further, latest research shows that it doesn’t hurt to toss in a bit of ‘realistic pessimism’ when going for your goals. It can keep you grounded and be rewarding, too.
Pessimism is a Waste of Time
So said Norman Cousins whose classic book Anatomy of An Illness chronicled his story of survival using humour.
A general consensus among my workshop participants is that it’s very easy to veer into negative thinking. Before you know it, negative thoughts can become catastrophic thoughts.
There’s certainly enough negativity around us to feed those feelings. We can also be our own worst enemy. We can take things too personally, discount the positives, blame others, blame ourselves, or just think in black and white.
Harness the Power of Positive Thinking
Take heart all of you self-described pessimists (and those who’d just like to be even more positive). You really can change by re-programming your thinking.
Research on learned optimism by Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology, offers convincing proof. In the same spirit of optimism, use these ways to boost your power of positive thinking:
1. Identify negative thinking
Do you know when your self-talk is negative? It appears when making harsh judgements about yourself and others. Or when dealing with conflicts that drain your energy. Avoid using extreme words like can’t, no one, never. Want more insight? Take this self-talk quiz.
2. Practice positive self-talk
When you find yourself thinking negatively, tell yourself to STOP! Replace the negative with positive thoughts that are gentle and encouraging. Affirmations should be stated in the present tense so they feel like they’re already happening. Repeat several times a day.
3. Try humour
It’s hard to be negative when you’re smiling and laughing. Humour helps release endorphins in the brain that produce a wonderful feeling of well-being. Even after the laughter stops, breathing slows, blood pressure drops, and muscular tension decreases. Need a laugh?
4. Get moving
Regular physical exercise can contribute significantly to a positive mindset. Aerobic activity increases blood flow to the brain, keeps your stress levels down, and sharpens your thinking. Try jogging or walking for 20 minutes at a brisk pace.
5. Stay calm
Find a quiet place (in nature is best) and let go of negative thoughts and emotions. Use meditation to calm your mind. Brain activity during meditation tends to shift from the stress-prone right frontal cortex to the calmer left frontal cortex. Deep breathing is also a natural de-stressor. Or relax with a series of gentle stretches.
Even More Ways to Boost Your Positive Energy
Are you noticing changes in your attitude yet? It takes time and practice as you may have discovered. Here’s more suggestions to encourage your power of positive thinking:
1. Visualize success
Here’s where the law of attraction can really work for you. Studies have shown that visualizing the result you want to achieve can move you toward actually accomplishing it. So sit quietly, close your eyes, and focus on a positive outcome.
2. Cue up some music
Have you noticed how your favourite music can change your demeanour? Ambient rhythms can lull you away with meditative undulations. On the other hand, a good thumping beat releases more endorphins and picks up your mood (perhaps one of the reasons why Coldplay’s video below has been viewed millions of times!)
3. Reach out
When you’re feeling negative or depressed, it’s easy to become isolated from others. That’s when surrounding yourself with supportive, positive people is one of the best things you can do. Being socially engaged can boost your outlook and is a strong factor in extending your life, according to studies.
4. Help others
Volunteering or performing random acts of kindness for others can also help you manage stress better and be more resilient. It connects you to others and can give you a satisfying feeling of accomplishment. Do yourself a favour and volunteer your time.
5. Be grateful
Take time each day to count your blessings. Make a list or keep a gratitude journal for this purpose. Be specific about the good things that happened to you and how you felt about them. Remind yourself of your strengths and achievements, too. Appreciating them in this way can make your world better.
6. Ask ‘What’s the solution?’
Solutions aren’t found by dwelling on the negative aspects of a problem. They’re found when you stand away from the problem and actively search for the answer. It’s a very empowering approach to life.
Keep the Sunny Side Up
The power of positive thinking isn't just an empty phrase. Yes, it does take hard work and persistence - life's always full of challenges. But the rewards are positively tangible and life-changing.
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