How to Practice Positive Thinking
A few simple attitude adjustments can make you happier and healthier. Here's how to harness the power of positivity.
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You Will Need
- Optimism
- Visualization
- Happy friends
- Gratitude journal
Steps
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Step 1
Be an optimist
Expect things to work out. Optimists have reason to be cheery: studies have shown optimists are more successful and healthier than pessimists.
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Step 2
Look at the bright side
Instead of focusing on the negative, try to find something positive in every negative situation. This will train your brain and help positive thinking come more naturally to you.
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Step 3
Visualize success
Picture yourself succeeding at challenging events. Visualizing yourself as strong and triumphant primes you to make it happen -- which is why athletes have been using this trick for years.
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The more vivid the imagery, the likelier it will work. So engage all your senses in the fantasy -- smell, taste, feel, sounds.
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Step 4
Catch happiness
Surround yourself with happy people. It's easier to stay positive when you're with other cheerful folks -- some research indicates happiness is contagious.
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Step 5
Count your blessings
Write down five things that you're grateful for every single day. Transplant patients who did this reported more energy and a deeper sense of well-being.
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Norman Vincent Peale, the author of The Power of Positive Thinking, lived to be 95.
