Think Positive!
…it also helps you deal with problems
Now this is very important: Think positive and optimistic, people! For those who always think the glass is half empty: it is half-full AND it is refillable! If you think negatively and if you are just focused on the problem, you will have a hard time finding a solution and an even harder time finding the best solution. But if you think positive, if you have a more positive attitude toward life itself, you will be able to focus on the outcome and on finding the best solution. Don’t dwell on the problem. Acknowledge that there is a problem and then analyze where it came from and work on finding possible solutions for it. If you think positive as in believing “I will find a way!” you open yourself to new opportunities. You open your mind and your thinking to explore all possibilities and you allow yourself to think outside the box. By having a positive and optimistic attitude you give yourself the chance to be creative and letting your thoughts flow in a positive way. Remember, your thoughts are energy, all around you is energy. Allow it to be positive energy! Practice it and see for yourself how opportunities start coming into your life!
Since everything inside your body and around you consists of energy, everything has an effect on everything. It’s all connected. To support positive thoughts, you need to do “positive” things, such as:
· Eat and drink healthy: eat “positive” foods! Those are foods with “positive energy” such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Foods with “negative energy” are “dead foods” such as meat, cheese, chips, candies... Drink lots of plain water or unsweetened tea to keep your body hydrated and well-functioning. Avoid coffee, bottled juices, energy drinks, alcohol…
· Exercise: get moving, have your body release endorphins! Go for a walk or run - by yourself - outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. A change of scenery and physical activity helps clear your head and promote thinking. For me, I am getting the best ideas when I walk at lunchtime with my coworkers or when I go for a run alone.
· Surround yourself with happy people: Be friends with happy people and avoid the grumpy people! Hanging out with people who have a positive attitude will uplift you and support you in being positive. They can help you find solutions for problems. Even if they don’t have a solution for you, they can certainly give you strength, advice and suggestions and just surround your mind and spirit with positivity.
· Disconnect: put your phone aside for a while, disconnect with the world and connect with yourself! Focus on “you” and enjoy quiet time. You can do a yoga class or meditate or get a massage or just sit on your couch at home in silence and think about something nice. Maybe a memory you like or picture yourself at the beach. Do something by yourself - just you and your thoughts.
· Plan your future: write down a few goals you want to achieve. Think about how to get there, do some research and develop the steps you need to take to come closer to your goal. Planning and working on achievements will put you in a “I can do this!” mood. This can help solve a current problem.
· Be kind: be kind and friendly to every single person you come across during your day! Smiles don’t cost a thing, shower everyone with free smiles. Kind words don’t cost a thing, talk in a kind way. Even if you have to say something negative you can still choose kind words to express your disagreement. What goes around comes around! Send positive energy and receive positive energy. Its’s such a simple concept. Practice it every day and you will notice improvements in yourself. You will become happier. And you will see that you attract kindness back.
· Visualize yourself positive: in your mind, picture yourself happy, healthy, fit, successful, strong, energetic, lucky… anything you want to retain or achieve! Visualize it every day either in your head or by writing it down. All change starts in your head. You want it, you imagine it, you get it. Your mind is a powerful thing!
As you THINK and ACT positive, you ATTRACT positivity.
If you are facing a problem, analyze what got you into it. Then analyze your current situation and the “tools” you have available to help with the problem. Then plan a way to solve the problem. Everyone has a unique problem and a unique situation and unique tools. But there are certain basics everyone can do to help finding the best solution for the problem.
First step: set aside specific time to analyze. Once you have made dedicated time and you keep distractions out, start analyzing:
1. What is the problem?
2. How did I get into it?
3. What tools do I have that can help me get out of it (advisers, family, friends, other people who have been in the same or similar situation, money, spiritual help…)?
4. Do I need additional tools (such as professional help)?
Write it all down on a piece of paper. Visualizing it can definitely help solving a problem. Do some brainstorming and also write down ideas that sound funny or may not be all that feasible, but it doesn’t hurt to write them down as well. Who knows, maybe you get another great idea from them that does solve the problem. Weigh the pros and cons for each scenario. Once you have analyzed the situation and have answers to those questions, pat yourself on the shoulder! Give yourself one little treat and then start working on the solution. If you can solve the problem all at once, wonderful! If not, step by step will get you there. And remember to stay positive during the time. Don’t get discouraged by possible setbacks. They happen, stay on track! Share your path with your support people if you like, to keep you motivated and positive. Don’t get stressed out or emotional. You must remain calm and be able to think clear.