Once you've decided to think more positively, the following steps will help you re-focus your thinking. Expect some set-backs. Habitual behavior is hard to change, but it can change with effort, commitment, and practice.
· Declare your intent to think positively. Intention is very powerful, even more so when declared publicly. But at the least, write down your intention. Get it on paper in strong, direct language. This is not the time to be tentative.
· Tell one or two friends of your intention and ask for their support. Don't tell anyone unless they are positive and supportive themselves.
· This positive affirmation may help you get started: I am an optimistic, hopeful, positive thinking person. I accept that bad things may happen in my life, but I look for positive opportunities in the midst of anything negative.
· Research the literature for benefits of positive thinking. Knowing that it is good for you will help reinforce your commitment. Suggested sources: PsychologyToday.com, WebMD.com, and the books Authentic Happiness and Learned Optimism by Dr. Martin Seligman.
· When some negative thinking occurs, examine all the facts you know. Be clear about what is fact and what is fear, what is known and what is assumed. If you find you've jumped to a negative conclusion to the facts you know, ask yourself what other situations might fit the same facts?
· At the end of each day, reflect on the positives of the day. What went right and why? Rather than focusing on what went wrong, focus instead on what you learned.
· Become very aware of your thinking. Notice when you think positively and congratulate yourself. Also notice when you think negatively and convert your thoughts to a more positive view.
· At the end of the day repeat this affirmation: I am an optimistic, hopeful, positive thinking person.
· Before going to sleep, reflect upon what you're looking forward to the next day.
0 Comments:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
