Let's face it. Life can be tricky.
From work stress to relationship woes to financial struggles, getting caught up in negativity and feeling like everything is working against us is easy. But what if I told you that thinking positively is more manageable than faking a smile all day?
It's true - with a little effort and the wise advice below (not from me), you can train your brain to focus on the good and find joy even in difficult situations.
What Is Negativity Bias?
First things first - why is it so hard to think positively in the first place? Well, it turns out that our brains are wired to focus on negative experiences to protect us. This is called the "negativity bias," and it's why we tend to remember bad experiences more vividly than good ones.
Imagine you're at a restaurant with some friends and order a dish that's supposed to be excellent. But when it arrives, you take one bite, and it tastes terrible. Your friends ask you how it is, and you respond with a grimace, "It's disgusting."
Later, your friends order a dessert you're not particularly fond of, but you try a bite anyway. And even though it's not your favorite, you say, "It's okay."
This is negativity bias at work - you're more likely to remember and focus on the negative experience with the dish you didn't like and less likely to give the dessert a fair chance.
But the good news is that we can retrain our brains to focus on the positive - it just takes a little work.
Start With Reflection
One way to start thinking positively is to practice gratitude. This can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you're thankful for in your life. As Dr. Robert Emmons, a leading gratitude researcher, explains, "Gratitude blocks toxic emotions, such as envy, resentment, regret, and depression, which can destroy our happiness." Focusing on the good in our lives can shift our perspective and help us find more joy in everyday moments.
Practice Mindfulness
Another strategy for thinking positively is to practice mindfulness. This means paying attention to the present moment without judgment, and it can help us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings. Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist and author of Hardwiring Happiness, explains, "When you're mindful, you're less likely to get hijacked by negative thoughts or emotions, and you're more able to appreciate the positive experiences in your life."
Make A Choice
Of course, staying positive is not always easy, especially when life throws us curveballs. But even in difficult situations, we can focus on the good. Dr. Martin Seligman, a leading positive psychology researcher, explains, "What we think when we experience adversity determines whether we'll be resilient or not." By reframing negative experiences in a more positive light, we can build our resilience and find strength in even the most challenging times.
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How Do I Begin Thinking Positively?
"I have a love-hate relationship with positive thinking. I love it when it works, and I hate it when it doesn't." - Unknown
We've all been there - we try to think positively, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. That's okay! It's not about being perfect; it's about making progress.
"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." - Jon Kabat-Zinn
This quote is an excellent reminder that life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes we must ride the wave and find joy in the journey.
"I am not a morning person, but I am a morning grateful person." - Terri Guillemets
If you're struggling to find time for gratitude in your busy schedule, try starting your day with a quick gratitude practice. It's a great way to set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Last 75 Words On Positive Thinking
To wrap things up, thinking positively is a powerful tool for finding joy and fulfillment in life. By practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and resilience, we can train our brains to focus on the good, even in difficult situations. And most importantly, remember that it's okay not to be perfect - it's about making progress. So don't beat yourself up if you're not constantly feeling positive. Just keep working at it, and you'll see the benefits over time.
To end this post, here's one final quote from a positive psychology expert:
"Positive emotions are like nutrients for the brain. In the same way that we need to eat a balanced diet to nourish our bodies, we need a balance of positive emotions to nourish our brains." - Dr. Barbara Fredrickson
If you like this content, you will love my book. It is a book covering five principles to help people tired of not living up to their potential. But with a twist. Instead of a typical self-help book, it is a fable following a young man who meets someone who changes his life forever.