Thinking Positive: 5 Steps to Succeed!
How many times do we seem to be struggling with a "no" day? It is precisely in those moments, when everything seems to go wrong, that our mind is crowded with negative thoughts. Not only that, anxiety and stress take over, making it impossible for us to see the situation from a positive perspective, and lead us to electrocute anyone who tells us: "Don't worry, everything will be fine! Think positive!". In reality, that of positive thinking is not just a phrase of circumstance, but a real technique that can prove to be fundamental many times in the course of life.
In this article, we explain what the practice of positive thinking exactly consists of and how to implement it every day, both in the "yes" ones, but, above all, in the "no" ones. Let's start by telling you that to succeed it is essential to work on your self-esteem, helping it to grow with some exercises:
What is the technique of positive thinking?
"The quality of your thoughts determines the quality of your life": this is the assumption that underlies that school of thought according to which it is possible to significantly improve the quality of our existence by modifying, first of all, our thoughts. All this means facing life with a greater degree of enthusiasm and positivity, trying to counteract the negative thoughts and patterns with which we are used to reasoning, replacing them with optimistic and confident ones.
The foundation of this theory is the thesis that the reality we see and live every day is not only objective, but that it is greatly influenced by our vision of things. When faced with a given situation, we tend to react, that is, a myriad of different thoughts arise in the mind. Trying to think positive, on the other hand, promotes not "reacting", but "acting: controlling and directing the flow of our thoughts is the first move to make.
The steps for positive thinking
Cultivating positive thoughts, blocking the influence of negative ones on our life or interpreting them in a different way, is important and useful not only for the mind, but also for the body. In fact, it is known as a continuous pessimistic view of existence, also exasperated by feelings such as fear and distress, it can cause panic attacks, sometimes leading to a situation similar to depression. All of this is detrimental to mental well-being and physical health. So, if you think it's time to change your perspective and stop negativity, we recommend that you follow these 5 moves to start seeing the glass half full, think positive, smile more and live better!
1. Make positive affirmations your mantra
As we have already anticipated, we are able to control and condition our thoughts, making them change "direction" and pushing them towards that of positivity. By doing so, not only the conscience but also the unconscious will be influenced. To do this, however, you may need help, such as positive phrases and affirmations, which act directly on your self-esteem and on the vision of what surrounds you.
“Learn to like yourself. What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you, ”said Seneca. Here, take an example from aphorisms like this, write them down and try to look at them in the moments when it seems to you that the negativity is taking over. Also, try to repeat a few phrases like this throughout the day, even when everything seems to be going well. You will have a new charge of energy and your thoughts can only be positive.
2. Write a diary
Writing a diary has always been recommended as a method for venting one's emotions and dealing with them. If your goal, however, is to think positively, the blank pages of the notebook cannot accommodate only negative stories without "further reflection. To make the most of this completely personal" tool ", it is good to write yes what you happened to live during the day, but trying to underline what your reaction was in front of the various events and what you have learned thanks to them. Thus, even an unpleasant discussion with a colleague will become a way to draw something constructive, without resentment or that you get down on yourself.
Finally, the diary technique is only useful if you write at least one positive fact every day. It doesn't have to be a sensational episode, but one of the many little things that are always nice. Maybe a simple but significant gesture that struck you: a kind message from a friend, the smile of a stranger as you walked, someone who kept the door open for you to enter a club ... try paying more attention to all the positivity that surrounds you!
3. Set goals
As often happens, moving the attention away from the various problems and giving yourself a new focus can help. In this way, the mind is stimulated and projects itself on a result to be achieved. For this, set goals and you will see how your positivity will gradually increase. . At the beginning, concentrate on "simple" goals to reach, so as to obtain energy and postitive thoughts for the satisfaction of the goal. Then, define goals that are a little more complex but still specific and that depend solely on your actions. In fact, in this phase you cannot involve other people, because they may not be up to what you are aiming for and disappoint you, so as to make you fall back into the vicious circle of negativity.
4. Do what you love and surround yourself with friends
How many times have the hectic pace of your days made you put aside what you love? It happens often, but you should always try to find a time for your favorite activities, whether it's playing a sport or painting or just listening to music or reading. These hobbies are essential for relieving tension and clearing the mind of negative energies. In case you have never done it before, we recommend that you also try disciplines with yoga and meditation, real panacea for psychological and physical well-being.
Moreover, for every person, friends are an inexhaustible source of happiness. Being surrounded by those you trust and with whom you know you can confide freely, is a help in every situation, especially in those where everything seems to go wrong and negative thoughts are just around the corner. Be wary of fake friends and choose only the people who feel that they are close to you because they really want it and without any ulterior motives. By being with them, you will be more prone to positivity and optimism, as well as being much happier.
5. Be kind and smile
Kindness and gratitude are a great elixir of life. In fact, being kind instantly increases positivity, because you feel satisfied for having done something good and right. For example, a study showed that those who do charity immediately feel happier because they know they have helped someone. Take a cue from all of this and make kindness your motto. Likewise, gratitude, or "being grateful," is an excellent ally to counteract negative thoughts: pay attention to all the positive things that surround you and share these emotions of yours with others. Just as good always generates other good, so being grateful establishes a circle of positivity and solidarity among acquaintances.
Finally, every day, whatever happens, try to always show off your smile. Smiling at family and friends but also at strangers is a great way to make your thoughts and attitude friendly, positive and enthusiastic. Especially with someone you don't know, exchanging a smile is a simple gesture that hides a disinterested sweetness and kindness that you don't see very often. In addition, it is good for both the recipient and you who will "give it away". Remember: "treat people with kindness", always.
“Only if we really love, accept and approve of ourselves, as we are, will everything be fine in our life. Self-approval and acceptance, here and now, are the keys to positive changes in every aspect of our life. "
Louise Hay