Most of us do realise the value of positive thinking though we may not always practise it. This is probably why a day of the year has been designated as Positive Thinking Day and it happens to be TODAY. This gives us an added incentive to reflect a little more about the power of positive thinking.
Our thoughts directly influence our mood, attitude and behaviour. Here, the power of positive thinking is absolutely astounding. Positive thoughts generate positive actions and outcomes. They work wonders even in fighting ailments from the common cold to cancer. People with an "I think I can" attitude, are far more likely to succeed at work.
On the other hand, negative thoughts breed negative outcomes. We become pessimists who fail to see the silver linings in the dark clouds. Negativity floods our minds with self doubt and batters our self esteem, thus hindering progress.
Let us look at a few tips from experts to foster positive thinking that ensures wholesome living. First we must learn the art of affirmation, which means repetition of positive thoughts to the self. Thereby we create new pathways of positive thoughts in our brain and dim out negative impulses.
We must begin each day positively and carry on in the same vein. Engaging wholeheartedly in lively activities will ensure a positive frame of mind. Getting immersed in a game of scrabble or badminton or solving a crossword puzzle are a few options I exercise. We can draw inspiration by reading or watching motivational material that elevates our thought process. We must cultivate the company of positive people. Positivity is contagious and creates a ripple effect. But equally infectious is negativity. So we must keep away from chronic pessimists. As a wit put it: “Character is not only judged by the company we keep but also the company we avoid.”
We must counter negative situations with positive energy. We cannot control what happens around us but we can certainly control our attitude towards such events. Procrastination is a clear sign of negativity. Grumbling about or evading unavoidable tasks takes us nowhere.
Positive thinking is of course not an ‘ostrich-burying-its-head-in-the-sand’ approach to problems but it is more about seeing things in the right perspective. When confronted by setbacks we must view the overall picture and focus on what really matters in the long term. Let’s not ‘make mountains out of our molehills’, but take the ‘low’ and the ‘high’ in our stride and move ahead.
We must shift our focus from ‘what’s wrong’ to ‘what’s right’ and enjoy the radiant sunshine while it lasts. Let us always remember that positive thinking is a great way to begin the journey that will lead us on to positive action and a way of life that’s brimming with true success and peace of mind.
Quotes:
* You may be disappointed if you fail, but you will be doomed if you don’t try. — Beverly Sills
* There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate. — Robert Brault
* The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible. — Anon.
* Every adversity, every failure and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or a greater benefit.
— Napoleon Hill