There are so many elements of our lives that we just can’t control. For example, we can’t control how other people think, or how they act and what they say. We can’t influence the weather or the traffic when we’re in a rush to get to work. And we certainly can’t control world events. With 24/7 news and social media offering a running commentary on everything that’s going wrong with the world, it’s easy to let your head get filled up with negativity on a daily basis. I know from my training as an NLP practitioner and mindset coach that constant negativity is the enemy of a productive outlook and certainly won’t make you happy! So, what can you do to limit the negativity and noise that reaches your brain and ensure you’re in control of your outlook?
I’m a huge advocate for positive thinking. and its power in helping us navigate the challenges and complexities of modern life. In this blog I’m exploring the power of positive thinking and sharing how you can harness positivity and unlock your full potential. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
The power of positive thinking
As I mentioned in the intro, my journey to learning about mindset and NLP has given me a huge appreciation for the role positive thinking can play in life. It’s more than just a buzzword; if you can adopt it as a mindset, it can transform so much – work, relationships and day-to-day living. At the heart of positive thinking is the idea that you try to adopt an optimistic outlook on life, always looking for the positives in all situations. That means believing in your abilities, accepting what you can’t control, learning from events and focusing on solutions rather than problems. Here are just some of the benefits to learning to think positively:
Improved mental health: Positive thinking has been shown to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Setbacks can and will happen to us all, but by maintaining an optimistic mindset, you build personal resilience against life’s challenges.
Enhanced physical health: Research suggests that committing to positive thinking can help boost your immune system, lower blood pressure and even potentially increase longevity. A healthier body supports a healthier mind.
Increased confidence: Positive thinking fosters greater self-confidence and boosts self-esteem. When you believe in yourself, you are far more likely to take on new challenges and pursue your dreams.
Better relationships: There’s also evidence that optimistic individuals tend to have more harmonious relationships. Positive thinking helps you approach conflicts with partners and co-workers with empathy and that can make it easier to find solutions instead of shutting people out.
How to inject positive thinking into every day
You’ve heard all about the benefits of positive thinking and how it can have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing. So, the next step is learning how you incorporate more positivity into your daily life! Here are some of my tried and tested tips to help you build a positivity-first daily routine and reap all the benefits it can bring:
Start your day with gratitude!
I start every morning by thinking about all the things I’m grateful for that day. It might be as small as the fact the sun is shining or a bigger deal, such as my loved ones being healthy and well. Gratitude can help shift your focus toward positive aspects of your life. It’s impossible to feel negative at the same time as being grateful for something!
Set positive intentions
This is another element of my morning routine – I set a positive intention for the day! I think about what I want to achieve and how I want to feel by the end of the day. It helps me focus and sets a positive tone for the day.
Surround yourself with positivity
I do my best to spend time with people who uplift and support me. There’s a saying ‘find the tribe that matches your vibe’ and it’s certainly worth seeking out people who are also focused on positivity. Nurturing relationships with others also focused on positivity and mindset can have a significant influence on your attitude.
Try to block negative influences
I recommend minimising your exposure to negative news and mindless social media scrolling, as they can both bring negativity and draining levels of comparison into your life. I appreciate that for some people in certain professions, it’s important to know what’s going on in the wider world, but try to limit the information you let in.
Challenge negative thoughts
When I catch myself thinking negatively, I try to challenge those thoughts. I ask myself if they are based on facts or if they are just my perceptions of what’s happening, which could be false. By noticing negative thoughts and gently redirecting them, you can foster a more positive mindset.
I hope these tips help you understand the power of positive thinking and harness it in your life If you have any ideas that you would like to share with me, just drop me a line on social media or contact me here. Here are links to my Instagram and Facebook pages, and I’d love to connect with you on either.