We talk about it ever so often. Obviously, we are aware of it. But why is it still so hard to ‘think positive’?
You’ve likely attended motivational talks, watched numerous inspirational and motivational videos, and heard countless stories about positivity. Despite this, you might still struggle with applying ‘positive thinking’ in your daily life.
As humans, we are naturally critical. It’s part of our survival instinct to be doubtful, cautious, and suspicious. In other words, we tend to be negative first. The first step in being positive is accepting this fact.
How does this help you be positive?
Once you accept that initial negativity is a normal reaction, you can move to the next step.
Understanding that initial negativity is a common response allows you to move forward. The next step is to manage your reactions. Before expressing any negative thoughts (since they often arise first), pause and resist the impulse to react immediately.
The subsequent step involves shifting your mindset by changing the questions you ask yourself. This process, known as a ‘paradigm shift,’ involves focusing on the positive aspects rather than dwelling on the negatives.
When you encounter a situation, ask yourself, “What’s good about this?” This approach helps you find the positive side of things.
To recap:
Step 1
Accept your initial negative thoughts
Step 2
Hold those thoughts, and avoid reacting to them immediately.
Step 3
Reframe the situation by asking “What’s good about this?” and look for positive aspects and learning opportunities.
By consistently practicing these steps, you’ll gradually develop a more positive outlook.