We are, in essence, the sum total of our thoughts and the stories that we repeat over and over in our heads. We are the product of our upbringing, of our social and economic status (class), of our education and of the influences of friends and family. If we have been brought up by a family where we have been continually told we are no good, useless or stupid, we carry those influences into our adulthood.
So how do we develop the practice of being positive and optimistic in attitude, thought and deed, when perhaps the continued stories we tell ourselves in our head are the opposite?
Developing a positive mindset can give you more confidence and success, improve your levels of happiness and improve your health by reducing the likelihood of developing depression, hypertension and other stress-related disorders. You can bring more power, health, happiness and joy into your life by learning to unshackle the hidden power of your subconscious mind. You already possess this power. Everything you need is already within you. You just need to learn how to use it and then apply it to all areas of your life.
It is the world within that makes your outward world. There exists a frequency match between the inner (mental) and the outer (physical) worlds. What we project to the outer world is what we manifest back. If we live in an inner world of fear and want, our outer (physical) world will manifest the same. It is the world within your thoughts, feelings and internal imagery that makes the outer world in which you live.
Great thinkers and creators in the past had the ability to tap into the powers of the subconscious mind in order to create great inventions, paintings and literature. You have the same ability within you. Negative and limiting beliefs will restrict you from achieving your full potential, whereas using affirming and positive thoughts will help you to expand your potential. Choose your thoughts every day, the same way you would choose your clothes: be the best version of you.
There is always a frequency match to the inner and outer reality in life. Therefore, if we project out fear, fearful experiences will be projected back. What we project to the outer world is what we manifest back. This is the law of attraction. Never use the words, ‘I can’t do this,’ or ‘I can’t afford that.’
Norman Vincent Peale said, ‘Change your thoughts and you change your world.’
Practise Thinking More Positively
If you have a negative outlook or are in the habit of continually having negative thoughts, it will take time and persistent effort to change those thought processes. With practice and consistency your self-talk will start to shift to that of a more positive and optimistic nature. Some days you will get up and feel in a fantastic mood, some days you will get up and feel not so great, and some days you will get up and just can’t get motivated. It’s human nature to have fluctuations in moods. The more you train yourself to think positively, however, the easier it will be to maintain a positive outlook, even in times of stress.
When you awake, take quality time each morning, around fifteen to twenty minutes daily, to start your day in a positive way.
Invest in a journal and put it somewhere you can reach for it, perhaps by your bedside, and take time each morning to write down the positives to each day and the things you are grateful for. Expressing gratitude for what you have can make you feel happier and gives you an uplifting start to the day. Take time to read a passage from an uplifting, inspirational book. I have several books by my bed from which I can read a short passage for a minute or so to start my day with a positive vibe. There is also a wealth of apps available for your phone to provide inspiration for the day. I have a Wayne Dyer app from which I can read an inspirational passage that contains a positive message for the day. Some people may like to read scripture to start their day to give them motivation and focus. Whatever you choose is individual to you.
Spend some quiet time thinking about your day ahead. I always take a few moments of quiet contemplation to think about my day and what I have planned. If tasks or activities come to mind I write them down so I don’t forget them, and I ruminate on the day’s activities, from my journey to work, to meetings, to my journey home, to my evening’s gym classes. I actively visualise my day beginning and ending positively. So, for example, if I do have a meeting that day, I visualise positive outcomes from it.
If you have a lot to accomplish in a day, make a to-do list. This will organise your thoughts. It will set the day’s focus, help accomplish your goals, and free your mind from the clutter of thoughts.
These are just some ideas to help you think more positively, but also start your day in a focussed way and structured way.
This is an extract from my book “Everyday Practices for Better Living” available in paperback and Kindle, via Amazon UK and US. See link below:
Photo Credit : Photo by Binti Malu from Pexels
Angel Reis 