“A positive mindset brings positive things.” - Philipp Reiter

Not feeling well? Kind of blah and wishing you had something better to say about the day than a mumbled 'fine' when someone asks you how you are doing? The solution might be simpler than you think.

Our attitudes really are everything. Yet, when we're not feeling great about our lives or how the day is going, everything can seemingly go wrong. The problems is, life can be unpredictable. You might have one really good day followed by another equally not so good one. With so many things outside of your control from the weather to politics it might seem impossible to ever truly feel good about anything.

The answer lies in your thinking. By being able to think positively, you will find your entire outlook changes.

How do you develop the habit of positive thinking?

rephrase

The obvious answer is to use more positive words. Instead of saying something negative, be it out loud or in your head, instead focus upon a better way to say things. For example, work isn't grueling so much as it might have thought-provoking challenges. While this might seem artificial and forced at first, the more you work to rephrase things, the easier it will be to find a more positive spin. Try it!

reframe

How many times have you talked about having to do something? This alone has a negative connotation, as though you're being forced into something you don't want to do. Instead try dropping the word 'have' in this context, and insert 'get' instead. You don have to do a presentation by Friday. You get to do one. Hear the difference? This is how you change a task into an opportunity. Small changes can have big impact!

reorient

Sure, life happens. Not everything you attempt is going to turn out exactly the way you'd like it to be. Rather than focus on the undesired outcome, simply change your focus. It might be time to shift to a slightly different method or goal. Consider this. Was the goal clearly defined and measurable enough for you to remain on task? Was it attainable within the allotted timeframe you gave yourself? If not, adjust your method and evaluate your goals to ensure they are S.M.A.R.T. goals.

relax

Let's be honest. Bad things are going to happen in the world. Being positive doesn't mean that you close your eyes to tragedy or injustice. But someone with a positive attitude will be able to somehow look beyond the tragedy to the next step. Though it sounds easier said than done, positivity finds solutions where others may only see problems, which is often the catalyst that drives activism and transformation!

Think on these things...

-Coach Jo