The phrase “positive thinking” can come off as a bit hokey, or dismissive of the tough realities of life, but research has shown that what and how you think can affect your health and self-perception.
Being positive isn’t simply telling yourself, “Everything is okay,” and continuing on your way. Rather, it’s being hopeful about what might happen and taking on challenges because you know you can solve the problem. Basically, positive thinking is having good thoughts as opposed to thinking the worst.
“I think the most positive people in the world have faced obstacles, been hurt, and have had losses-but learned to pick up the pieces and trudge forward-determined to press on,” says Steven Halsell, a psychotherapist in Holt, Michigan.
In a recent Student Health 101 survey, 74 percent of respondents said they have a positive outlook on life. According to the broaden-and-build model of positive emotions, positivity allows you to tap into your resources and problem-solving abilities in order to work at your full potential. Negativity restricts these abilities and narrows your psychological preparedness.
“I try to keep a positive outlook and use [this technique] when I’m dealing with finances or school work,” says Joshua L., a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “Before I have an exam I tell myself that I’ll do great.”
Of course, thinking you’ll do well can’t replace effort. But it can reduce the brain-crippling effects of negative thoughts at performance time. “A hopeful outlook can compel a person to strive and [prevent] discouragement,” says Halsell.
Think about what you hear in your head, the background chatter of your thoughts. Are you rooting yourself on, or are you telling yourself that you probably won’t succeed?
Jen K., a student at the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York, says, “I’ve used [positivity] most in my personal life. Being negative all the time is tiring and it brings you down. You have to find happiness when you face challenges and know that you can overcome them.”
If you find yourself dwelling on the negatives, acknowledge them and then let them go. “Life should be full of enjoyment,” says Jen. “What’s great is you have a choice on how to act upon challenges.”
Focusing on positive outcomes, developing a plan of attack, and following through will give you increased confidence over time. This will help you approach future challenges with optimism.
Rick is a convergence reporter and is in his second year studying journalism at the St. Clair Mediaplex.
Think about the thoughts in your head. Are they negative or positive? Do you focus on your skills and achievements or dwell on challenges and your perceived failures?
Try and consciously catch negative thoughts and replace them with positives ones. For example:
Using a notebook is a great way to track your goals, explore how you feel about situations, and see your progress in concrete terms. Progress is motivating and you’ll build momentum as you go.
HERE’S ONE METHOD:
Writing can be a way to expel negative feelings and make room for better thoughts.
Here are two more ideas:
OPTION 1
OPTION 2
According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, positive thinking can help you:
