The perspective that you choose to view your world from can make a huge difference in the types of people, experiences and circumstances you encounter. A positive outlook will attract positive situations into your life, while a pessimistic outlook will attract negative situations into your life. One of the easiest and most helpful things you can do mentally to help improve your quality of life is learn how to turn negatives into positives.
Depending on your current perspective, turning negatives into positives may be something you already do without realizing it. Let’s say you wake up on a rainy day. If your perspective is negative, you may think, “What a dreary day. It’s so gross out there that I don’t even want to get out of bed.” But if your perspective is positive, you would be more inclined to think about the fresh flowers and lush grass that come from the rain. Instead of giving into the negative and staying in bed, a positive perspective will encourage you to get up and experience the day in a positive light, despite the rainy weather.
Turning negatives into positives is easy; all it requires is an open mind. The next time you find yourself thinking about something in a negative way, stop yourself and consciously look for something good to think about. For example, when you encounter a person whom you don’t get along with, instead of automatically dwelling on all the things you wish you could change about the person, take a few moments to think about the person’s qualities that you admire.
The key is to pay attention to your feelings or your emotions. When you practice it for a while, it is easy to do – much easier than paying attention to the hundreds and thousands of thoughts you have each day. Just pay attention to your feelings, and when you realize your feelings are negative, switch to a positive thought. Any one will do: chocolate cake, your girlfriend or boyfriend, your children, a remembered pleasant vacation, or anything else. When you switch to positive thinking, you will be in positive mode and attract more positives into your life. It is really fun – try it!
Another time when we tend to focus on negatives is Monday morning. The beginning of the workweek can be a hectic time. We are reminded of busy schedules, looming deadlines and unhappy coworkers. Research has shown that this is actually the most prevalent time for people to have heart attacks. But turning your negative feelings into positive ones will make your job and week much more enjoyable. Instead of falling into the trap of complaining to your friends and coworkers about how much you have to do, think about how good you feel after meeting deadlines. The first way of thinking will lead to procrastination and more negatives. But changing your feelings to positive ones will help you accomplish more, which will, in turn, lead to more positive experiences at work and at home during your personal time. These are just a couple of common examples. When you start to take notice, you will find that every day is filled with opportunities to switch from a negative frame of mind to a positive one.
There is a very real and measurable force in effect to all of your actions, whether positive or negative. Your positive actions and outlooks will be met with more positive experiences. On the other hand, your negative actions and outlooks will be met with more negative experiences. The goal is not to whitewash the world or live in denial. There will always be pain, sadness and negativity in the world. However, when you encounter these things, acknowledge them for what they are and allow yourself to experience the emotions attached to them, but do not dwell on them. Instead use them as examples of what you do not want in your life. Move forward and look toward positive times.
Here’s a secret tip that will help make turning negatives into positives second nature: Start more sentences with the words “I can” or “I will.” I can change what is bothering me. I will make a difference. These positive phrases will help you refocus your thoughts and align your actions with positive forces. These words can be especially helpful on Mondays. Imagine how productive you could be if you started every Monday saying the phrase, “I will accomplish my goals this week and feel good about it. Others will notice me and I will attract positive people into my life.” This is much more motivating than saying, “I have so much to do, I don’t even want to start.” Can you see how turning this negative thought into a positive one can directly change your entire week for the better?
Negativity is like an addiction. In the beginning, it feels easier to allow yourself to dwell on the negative. And the more you do that, the more you will attract more of it into your life. But with just a little bit of practice, turning negatives into positives will be easier, because the more you do it, the better you will feel.
Click here to contact me for more information, help or advice.