Do you want to live your happiest, healthiest, most successful life? Positive thinking can help you do exactly that. And this isn’t just mumbo jumbo, either. There are scientific studies (see Fredrickson’s landmark psychology paper) that show that the way we use our brains impacts the lives we lead.
Let’s think about an example. Say you want to achieve a certain outcome, whether that’s breaking a personal record in running, nailing a meeting at work, or having a productive conversation with a friend. If you go into that moment thinking you’ll fail, how likely is it that you’ll pull it off? Not very likely. But say you’ve spent time picturing it going perfectly. You can envision yourself making it happen. All of sudden, realizing your goal becomes easier.
The thoughts in your head shape the way you think, speak, and act. The way you behave in the world shapes the way the world responds to you. So even when you can’t control your circumstances, you still have a powerful tool for creating the life that you want.
On the flip side, negative thinking limits you. When you fixate on something negative, whether it’s a situation you’re playing over and over in your mind, a relationship that’s frustrating, or something you dislike about yourself, it grows in your brain. It takes more and more of your time, energy, and focus.
So positive thinking really does help you create a more positive life!
How to move towards positive thinking.
Are you ready to think more positively? Here are a few things you can do.
Watch how you talk to yourself.
You wouldn’t hang out with someone who regularly talks down to you, makes fun of you, or is mean to you, would you? So why do you allow your self-talk to take negative turns? Start listening to your internal dialogue. Noticing your thoughts is the first step in changing them.
Dream big.
It never hurts to try! When you’re thinking about your goals and your vision for your life, don’t be afraid to dream big. Having more exciting expectations for the future can help you stay in a positive headspace.
Break your bad habits.
If you notice that your thinking is continually negative, take action. Enlist friends or family who you can call when you’re feeling negative. Try meditation or journaling. Or come to Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center. We can help!
If you’d like more information about shifting your thinking, contact our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center. We can help you shift towards positive thinking to unlock its power in your life. Call or email us today!
