Positive thinking is a very important element in your life. It helps
you create a more productive atmosphere at work, in school or at home;
and it helps you develop a better attitude towards life in general. People
who often dwell on negative matters are usually those who wake up each
morning feeling as heavy as lead. They see life as an everyday affair
of problems; and as a result, they are more stressed than any normal
person should be. They have a perpetual frown on their face and have
forgotten how to smile properly.
However, even with today’s
not-so-perfect world, you can still have a wonderful day - everyday.
There are easy ways to encourage positive thinking for almost any
situation.
1. Whistle a happy tune.
Whistling a happy
tune may have come from a children’s song, but it does its share of
work in dispelling negativity away. Let me cite a story to expound on
its powerful effect.
Ray was the kind of person who generally
did well on reports and presentations. His professors all had a good
impression of him. Still, when it came time for the mock defense for
his thesis, he was as nervous as a prey cornered by a predator. His
stomach was doing cartwheels, and he just couldn’t do enough breathing
exercises to calm himself down. Then, he remembered a song he used to
sing as a kid…
"Top of the World" by The Carpenters.
Ray
started humming the tune softly to himself. In just a few seconds, he
felt his nausea dissolve. He found his confidence and resolve
returning.
You can do the same thing when you’re sad, angry or
anxious. Find a happy tune to hum, and this will quickly reinforce
positive emotions and positive thinking.
2. Contribute to charity.
Has
a beggar ever approached you for alms? Do you pass by homeless people
on your way to work? One of the easiest ways to encourage positive
thinking is by helping out those in need. Helping others gives you a
nice, warm feeling in your heart that will stay with you for the rest
of the day.
I have seen a few people actually buy food and
give them to beggars on the street. These beggars must feel a bit of
happiness upon receiving the food from strangers. If you look into
their eyes, there is gratitude in them. But if you look into the
givers’ eyes, there is also something twinkling in there as well; for
on that day, they have made a difference in somebody else’s life.
A
lot of people feel bad because they see themselves as useless. They
don’t think that they can make a difference in their workplace or even
at home. Sometimes though, it only takes the right opportunity to open
their eyes to what they can do.
Those who have experienced
helping others out feel better about themselves, and can thus perform
better at work. They develop a more positive outlook about life and
about their own capabilities in general. Sounds easy enough, doesn’t
it?
You can contribute in your own way, no matter what
situation you’re in. Let’s say you’re working in an office. If you’re
on your way to make coffee and your co-worker is still neck deep into
his work, you can offer to bring them a cup as well.
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