Instead of feeling frustrated about letting negative thoughts rule your world, acknowledge the negative thoughts and work on giving them a positive spin.
When you do something that doesn't work out the way you think it should, for example, instead of berating yourself and thinking you´ll never get it right, shift your focus. Try to see the result as a learning experience and think to yourself: This is more challenging than I thought it was going to be but I´m up for the challenge! Then give it another try.
Becoming aware of negative thoughts and working to re-frame them into more positive ways of thinking is key to developing and maintaining a positive attitude.
Step #2: Have a support outlet close at hand.
Whether you prefer to write in a journal or share your thoughts and emotions with friends, having a way to work through what you´re thinking and feeling each day is truly invaluable.
In addition to helping deepen your levels of self-awareness, working with a support network is also an excellent way of getting into the habit of focusing on the things in life that you´re thankful for.
Step #3: Take care of yourself.
There are so many things that influence the way we think and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to developing and nurturing a positive and healthy mindset.
When you eat right, get enough exercise and sleep and your body feels healthy, it´s much easier to see the world and everything in it in a more positive light.
Of course, eating better and sleeping more won´t automatically purge you of negative thoughts and reactions but it´s certainly an excellent place to begin. The healthier you are, the less susceptible you will be to the common stress factors that often lead to an increase in negative thinking.
When you actively commit to making positive changes in your lifestyle and taking better care of yourself, the world suddenly seems like a more welcoming and positive place. That alone can lead to a huge shift in the way you think.
Still, there is more you can do.
Step #4: Affirm the positives in your life.
We've talked about recognizing negative thoughts and consciously rephrasing them into positives, now it´s time to talk about using the power of positive affirmations to reprogram your subconscious mind.
Positive affirmations are short sentences, stated in the present tense, often starting with "I am... " that help over-write negative thoughts.
Choose a statement that fits your needs... something like, "I am energized and excited about the day ahead" or "I am bold and confident. I make the right choices for myself and my life." Repeat it, out loud and with meaning, several times a day.
The most important thing is to keep an open mind when using positive affirmations. If you are feeling a bit skeptical, let me just ask you one question:
If you´re negative thoughts have gotten you where you are now, how much happier, healthier and successful would you be if you replaced them with confident, positive thoughts and actions?
My answer to you is: you´ll never know until you try!
Just like everything in life, creating and nurturing a positive mindset starts with a choice. You have the choice to stay as you are. Or you can choose to eat better, get more rest, and think more positively. Be happier. Be healthier. Be MORE than you are right now!
Like the oyster, you have it in you to turn that negative grain of sand into a glorious, shining pearl. Are you ready to get started?
About Author
Jan Marie Mueller is the founder and CEO of ThinkBrilliantly.com. As a firm believer in personal growth and development for a better, more productive life, she´s passionate about helping people recognize the power they have to define and direct their lives through the choices they make. Jan is also a successful small business owner, author, community volunteer and co-founder of the German non-profit Helping Hands for Children in Tanzania.
For more information on tips, strategies and resources on living your best life, visit http://www.ThinkBrilliantly.com. While you´re there be sure to download the FREE Developing Self-Awareness Guide & Workbook she´s put together for you: http://www.ThinkBrilliantly.com/Free-Guide. They´ll help you take the steps you need to start living the life you wish you had.
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