The Power of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that sees the bright side of things. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health, and favourable results.
If we adopt this mental attitude, we teach our mind to expect success, growth and favourable outcomes.
“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” – W. Clement Stone
Some people accept positive thinking as a fact, and believe in its effectiveness.
With a positive attitude we experience pleasant feelings, and we visualize the results we want to achieve. This brings brightness to the eyes, more energy and happiness. The whole being broadcasts good will, happiness and success. Even our health is affected in a beneficial way. We walk tall, our voice is more powerful, and our body language shows the way we feel.
Positive thinking means to approach the unpleasantness in a more positive way, actually it means approaching life's challenges with a positive outlook. Instead of ignoring reality in favuor of the silver lining, positive thinking belief in your abilities, a positive approach to challenges, and trying to make the most of bad situations. Bad things will happen. Sometimes we will be disappointed or hurt by the actions of others. This does not mean that the world is out to get you or that all people will let you down. It does not necessarily mean avoiding or ignoring the bad things; instead, positive thinkers will look at the situation realistically, search for ways that they can improve the situation, and try to learn from their experiences.
“We are responsible for what we are, and whatever we wish ourselves to be, we have the power to make ourselves.” – Swami Vivekananda

Benefits of positive thinking

Researchers have shown effects of positive thinking and optimism on health and attitude, it includes:

• Less stress more happiness.
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

In order to turn the mind towards  the positive, some inner work is required, since attitude and thoughts do not change overnight.

1. The power of our thoughts is a mighty power that is always shaping our life. This shaping is usually done subconsciously, but it is possible to make the process a conscious one. Even if the idea seems strange, give it a try. You have nothing to lose, but only to gain.
2. Ignore what other people say or think about you.
3. Use your imagination to visualize only favourable and beneficial situations.
4. Use positive words in your inner dialogues, or when talking with others.
5. Smile a little more, as this helps to think positively.
6. Once a negative thought enters your mind, you have to be aware of it, and endeavour to replace it with a constructive one. If the negative thought returns, replace it again with a positive one. It is as if there are two pictures in front of you, and you have to choose to look at one of them, and disregard the other. Persistence will eventually teach your mind to think positively, and to ignore negative thoughts.
7. In case you feel inner resistance and difficulties when replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, do not give up, but keep looking only at the beneficial, good and happy thoughts in your mind.
8. It doesn't matter what your circumstances are at the present moment. Think positively, expect only favorable results and situations, and circumstances will change accordingly. If you persevere, you will transform the way your mind thinks. It might take some time for the changes to take place, but eventually they will.

Being a positive thinker is not about ignoring reality in favour of aspirational thoughts. It is more about taking a proactive approach to your life. Instead of feeling hopeless or overwhelmed, positive thinking allows you to tackle life's challenges by looking for effective ways to resolve conflict and come up with creative solutions to problems. It might not be easy, but the positive impact it will have on your mental, emotional, and physical health will be well-worth it. It takes practice; lots of practice. This is not a step-by-step process that you can complete and be done with. Instead, it involves a lifelong commitment to looking inside yourself and being willing to challenge negative thoughts and make positive changes.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas Edison