Is Positive Thinking All It’s Cracked Up To Be?

Positive thinking is often seen as viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses. Or only seeing the good things in life and ignoring all its problems and hardships.

But is this true?

If it is, then we can conclude right away that positive thinking isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

But what if it’s not true?

What are positive thinkers really like? And what do they do that other people don’t?

Look for the Silver Lining

When thinking about their problems, positive thinkers look for the silver lining rather than dwelling on the awfulness of the situation. They don’t stay up late, pacing the floor with their mind going round and round in circles.

Instead, they look for the lesson or something good that can come out of the problem they’re facing. Perhaps it’s the chance to stand up to someone who’s being unreasonable. Or an opportunity to do something that takes them outside their comfort zone. And as they do, their confidence and self-esteem goes up a notch.

Concentrate on Finding a Solution

Don’t be lulled into thinking that their problems aren’t as bad as everyone else’s. That’s just not true.

The difference is that when they’re faced with difficulties, they concentrate on trying to find a solution rather than being dragged down by the problem itself.

They certainly don’t ignore the problem, and often spend a lot of time weighing up the pros and cons. But they always concentrate on trying to find an answer, and this effort is usually rewarded.

Receptive to Change and New Ideas

Positive thinkers also tend to focus on what they want to do rather than being held back by their current situation. So if they’re facing circumstances they’re not happy with, they become very resourceful at finding ways of moving on and improving their life.

They’re receptive to change and new ideas, even if it’s something that’s unfamiliar and makes them feel uncomfortable. So the more they step out into unknown territory, the more adept they become at learning to deal with life’s difficulties and uncertainties.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Another thing you notice is that they’re often grateful for the things they have, no matter how small. Even when they’re bombarded by problems, they still manage to genuinely appreciate the little things in life. And as they do, they get a warm glow inside that helps sustain them.

Lead a Happy Life

And finally, because of their outlook, positive thinkers are more able to cope with stress and tend to lead happier lives. No matter how daunting the situation they’re facing, they take control of their thoughts and feelings. And they look for what they can do to improve things. As a result, they come through life’s ups and downs with greater equanimity.

So, in answer to the question is positive thinking all it’s cracked up to be, the answer is a very definite yes!

We All Have a Choice

What’s more, we can each choose whether to be a positive or a negative thinker. We don’t have to get stuck in a negative mindset.

It’s not always possible to change the situations in which we find ourselves. Neither can we avoid the difficult people we sometimes have to deal with. But we can change the way we think about them and how we choose to respond.

I was a born worrier from a young age, which meant I was angst ridden for much of the time. Then after years of being immersed in my troubles and worries, my health just gave out. My immune system was shot to bits.

That was the wake-up call I needed.

Something had to change.

And that something was a switch from positive to negative thinking.

It’s transformed my life.

Your Attitude to Positive Thinking

So, I have two questions for you.

Are you a positive or negative thinker?

If you’re a positive thinker, that’s great news and more power to you!

If you’re a negative thinker, how are you going to change the way you respond to the problems in your life?

Here are five suggestions for you to try:

• Look for the valuable lesson in every situation.
• Concentrate on finding a solution rather than becoming embroiled in the problem.
• Develop a can do attitude.
• Be receptive to new ideas and news ways of solving life’s problems.
• Be thankful for what you have rather than focusing on what you don’t have.

May your glass be half-full!