Positive Outlook
Tips for More Positive Thinking Changing the way you think can help you put a more positive spin on what happens in your life. This makes you more productive overall. Getting Started Pick an area in which you are having trouble and then create or invent new memorable, extremely favorable, ridiculously absurd options to deal with that situation. For example, if you are uncomfortable around your supervisor at work or your relatives, imagine positive scenes in which you solve conflicts or make adjustments. Or, if your confidence and self-esteem are low, imagine: • Scenes in which your confidence is increased • Being praised for your efforts • Being successful • Finally receiving the acceptance or affection from those who have not provided it in the past • The best possible outcome you can feel. It may sound strange, but your brain will think your life is better (it only knows what it is told), and chemically, your mood will lift. Moving Forward Taking these positive steps isn’t always simple, however. For example, you may be fighting low self-esteem. To change your self-image, you affirm, “I am good, beautiful, worthy and strong.” However, your unconscious mind can sabotage your efforts by releasing the negative counter-thought, “You are insecure and awkward.” This negative side, which has had control of your self-image for years, is a well-established thought circuit that does not give up its power so easily. The negative thought maintains its power unless neutralized by a stronger, positive thought. With practice, though, eventually the positive thought will grow and associate with other positive thoughts, such as: • “I am a good person.” • “There are many successes in my life.” • “People like me.” • “I have a lot to offer.” It is up to you. You can choose at any time to deploy an army of positive thoughts that will rapidly and effectively neutralize the negative ones. Then, when the same provocative situation arises to test you, your mind stays positive, poised and peaceful. Keep a list of your most common negative thought habits and positive alternatives for each. Refer to this list whenever negative thoughts arise until you can substitute helpful alternatives from memory or immediately make up new thought alternatives to counter the negative thoughts. Repeat you affirmations when you are engaged in activities that do not require your full attention, such as: • Walking • Cooking • Cleaning • Stuck in rush-hour traffic Here when you need us. Call: TTY: 800.697.0353 Online: guidanceresources.com App: GuidanceNowSM Web ID: INTEGRIS 844-729-5171 |
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