Think Positive – Live Positive

Whenever someone around us is troubled or worried about a problem situation, we always tell that person to “Be Positive” and things will fall in place. We suggest everyone to take things positively and be optimistic about life. But wait and think… How many of us practice what we preach. How many of us deal with our problems with a positive frame of mind. How many of us find this mantra of “Think Positive” effective.

What is Positive Thinking

Positive Thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images that are conducive to growth, expansion and success. It is a mental attitude that expects good and favorable results.

Coming back to the statement – How many of us deal with our life situations in a positive way. It is human tendency to drift the mind towards negative thoughts than positive ones when faced with trouble.

We start thinking more about negative consequences for a situation that the positive ones.

Thinking negative in turn affects our mood, energy level and stress levels, which has a negative effect on our actions in daily life. People with negative thoughts also effect others in a negative way and pass their negative energy to people they meet and interact with.

On the contrary, people who think positive, try to be happy and are filled with positive thoughts and energy, spread happiness and hope around them. People who are surrounded by positivity feel happy, have ability to deal with problems more rationally and effectively. Positive thinking and attitude benefit us both physically and mentally. Researches across the world have proved that positive thinking results in –

• Better resistance to common cold.
• Lower rate of depression and reduced stress levels.
• Better coping skills during stressful situations.
• Lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Increased self confidence.

We all are aware of the benefits of positive thinking but we rarely practice it.

Positive attitude is needed more during stressful situations and during such times, our thoughts usually drift towards negative side. Some effort on our part is required so that we adapt to the good habit of positive thinking-

• Smile, smile and smile. It helps you lighten up.
• Surround yourself with people who think positive.
• Try to avoid the use of words like No, Not, Never, replace these words with I can, I will.
• Read statements, quotes, inspirational stories that help you to think positive and feel better.
• If you believe in god, pray regularly. It helps instill faith and positivity.
• When facing trouble, try to think of positive outcome to the problem, rather than negative.
• Always remember, things change, situations change, this time will pass. So, why not try to be positive and look at the brighter side of the picture.

Case Study

Rajiv is a hard working boy, but he has low self confidence and does not believe in himself. He always thinks of negative outcomes to a situation rather than positive even after working hard. During the final year of college, he got a chance to show case his work and make a presentation to present to recruiters, who were coming for campus hiring.

He had a very good opportunity of getting a good job with a Multi National. He worked hard and made a good presentation. But, he was nervous and was constantly thinking that he will not be able to deliver it properly.

On the day of presentation, Rajiv got nervous and could not speak with confidence and lost his first chance to grab a job. He became sad and depressed. One of his teachers was observing all this. He came to him and asked what went wrong. Rajiv narrated the whole story. His teacher told him to believe in himself, practice hard think positive and everything will be fine. He helped him gain confidence and making him think of positive outcome rather than negative.

It worked, after 10 days, new improved and positive Rajiv gave his presentation again. This time, with confidence. The recruiters praised him and liked his work. He got a good job to begin his career with. He thanked his teacher and promised to stay positive in life.

Conclusion

Positive attitude and thinking has a magical effect. Not only it gives us the above mentioned benefits, but also it affects people around us in a healthy way. Our words, expressions, body language says it all. Remember, nobody wants to be surrounded with people who always complain and say negative things. We all like to be surrounded with positive vibes. Both positive and negative attitudes spread fast and affect us and our surroundings. So, why not spread hope and happiness, live happily and make others also happy.

Article by Varsha Tyagi

Varsha has written 20 articles.

Varsha Tyagi is a Master's in Psychology with 5 years of Experience as a Life Skills Coach and a Counseling Psychologist. She has worked with many schools, colleges and corporates as a Counselor and a Life Skills Trainer and dealt with both children and adults. She is currently working as a Life Skills Facilitator with an organization..