You can think positive and stop thinking negative and get a number of benefits in return. You might enjoy life more and find better jobs and fulfilling relationships just by changing negative thoughts to positive ones. Clinical psychologist Stanton Peele sums up the domino-like effect of positive thinking: "Happiness psychology tells us to enumerate our positives, then think about how we get them, and then to do more of those things." AtHealth.com outlines techniques for creating a better self image through positive thinking and mentions that it takes consistent effort for at least four to six weeks to diminish negative thoughts about yourself.
Step 1
Commit to making a change. You know your negative thinking is affecting your life, relationships, work and family. Recognize that thinking positive will manifest as real improvements in your life.
Step 2
Start small. Replace one negative thought with its opposite positive. For example, if you often look in the mirror and think something negative about one of your facial characteristics, pick a different feature and say something positive about it in your mind.
Step 3
Be repetitive. For every negative thought you have, repeat the opposite, positive thought in your mind several times.
Step 4
Say something positive to each person with whom you come in contact. This can be as simple as making a comment about the weather or a nice pair of shoes the person is wearing. If you do not find something appropriate to say, then think something nice about them instead.
Step 5
Write down positive thoughts and characteristics about yourself, your job, family and life in general.
Step 6
Change the wording you use. AtHealth.com recommends eliminating words such as "can't," "never" and "not" and using phrases that say the same thing in a positive tone. For example, instead of "I can't play the piano well," you would say, "I'm working on playing the piano better" or "I'm getting better at the piano."
Step 7
Find a positive mantra, affirmation or phrase to say to yourself throughout the day. This can be a simple quote from a famous person or any statement that makes you feel good. Repeat it to yourself whenever you catch yourself being negative.
Step 8
Write down a list of small tasks you want to get done. Tackle them one by one, then scratch them off the list. Getting things done on your to-do list generates positive thoughts.
Step 9
Exercise. Do any sport or activity that gets your blood circulating and that is enjoyable. According to the Association for Applied Sports Psychology, exercise improves self-esteem, body image and reduces depression symptoms.
Tips and Warnings
- Use all of the tips above or just pick a few that help you increase positive thoughts.
Member Comments