Thoughts that change to actions, habits

Kelly believes that most of us (unless suffering from mental illness) can improve life, one small step at a time. Picture: freeimages.com

Kelly believes that most of us (unless suffering from mental illness) can improve life, one small step at a time. Picture: freeimages.com

Published Dec 2, 2014

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Durban - Feeling negative and not always motivated to face a new day? It’s time to start changing your mind. Being positive is a conscious choice you can make.

We have more than 400 000 thoughts a day. If most are negative you will automatically feel negative. Our thoughts change into actions, which change into belief systems and habits. It’s therefore critical to train our brains to think more positively.

Here are six easy steps:

 

1 Focus on the positives of your day before falling asleep

When you focus on these positive events, you will fall asleep with positivity, having a better night’s rest and wake happier.

 

2 Start the day visualising your perfect day

You will be positive, more refreshed and surprised how nice your day will be. Remember that many people focus on the negative events of the day, which makes them feel down and upset. If you visualise your day working out the way you want it to, you will look out for and focus on positive events. This will allow you to see the good in your day and you will feel better.

 

3 Be grateful for what you have

Every time you brush your teeth think of all the things that you are grateful for, you have accomplished in your life already and everything you can do well. There is always something you can be grateful for, even if it is small. Make a list and repeat it in your mind every day. You will see how your list grows.

 

4 Positive re-affirmations

Make sure you keep re-affirming your strengths. If you are in a stressful situation talk yourself through it with positive affirmations, such as. “I can do this”, “I will find a solution to this problem”, “I will stay calm and manage the situation well”. Staying calm and positive inhibits cortisol (your stress hormone) production, helping you to cope better and stay in control.

 

5 Be aware of negative thought patterns

Being more aware of your thoughts will help to eliminate negative thoughts that creep up subconsciously. Tell yourself that you will not allow negative thoughts to come in. It may help to visualise a protective shield around you that does not allow those thoughts through. Your negative thoughts must be changed into positive thoughts: re-affirm what you have managed to do already, your good characteristics and your strengths.

 

6 Make it a routine

Practise these steps every day – after all it is brain training. It will become easier and easier to think positive. Later you will not even have to think about it any more, it will be part of your believe system because your brain will have created a new pathway for it.

Being positive does not come naturally to all of us, but with conscious effort we can change that. A positive mind will allow you to feel positive, to attract other people who are positive, and to reach your goals.

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