The greatest power you possess is invisible, inaudible and weightless--the power of your thoughts. A group of related thoughts adds up to an attitude. A group of related attitudes adds up to a mentality. It is your mentality that determines whether or not you make the most of the opportunities that life presents to you, and whether or not you enjoy whatever success you find. Modern psychology and ancient wisdom have developed methods that you can use to harness the power of your thoughts.
Step 1
Monitor your own thinking at various points in your day, advises the Mayo Clinic. Take note of your self-talk as well as the images and sensory impressions that pop into your head. If you make a habit of doing this several dozen times a day, you will gain a bird's-eye view of your own mind and will be able to evaluate the extent to which you need to change your thinking.
Step 2
Learn about common negative thinking patterns such as polarizing, catastrophizing, filtering and personalizing. Polarizing is thinking in strict "either/or" terms with no middle ground; catastrophizing is assuming the worst possible outcome; filtering is focusing only on the negative aspects of complex situations; and personalizing is inappropriately blaming yourself for negative events. When you examine your own thinking, you may find other negative thinking patterns as well.
Step 3
Identify any external sources to self-critical thinking. For example, you may find that you criticize yourself in the same way that your father used to criticize you when you were a child. Identifying the source of your self-critical thinking will help you develop compassion for yourself, according to psychologist Lisa Firestone.
Step 4
Intervene in your own thoughts if you find your self-talk or mental images turning negative. Challenge your negative thoughts, and reject them if they turn out to be unrealistic or counterproductive. Replace them with positive, realistic statements and images.
Step 5
Cultivate friendships and associations with positive, supportive people. Ask for advice and feedback from the positive people in your life. Avoid negative people as much as possible, because negative thinking is contagious.
Step 6
Follow a healthy lifestyle. Eat right, exercise frequently, and make sure to get enough sleep. Keeping your body healthy will make it much easier to maintain a positive outlook.
Tips and Warnings
- Additional techniques such as yoga may further improve your attitude and concentration.
- Positive thinking is not a one-time mind makeover--it is a set of habits that must be constantly practiced. If you stop practicing them, your thinking can turn negative again within a short time.
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