Many times we feel like our world is slowly crashing down on us and there's nothing we can do to make it better. Well help is on the way and that help is you. The mind is a powerful phenomena and there is nothing the mind isn't capable of accomplishing when it is given direction.
In this case you are the pilot and the captain as you're in charge however, when you don't know you're in charge of a situation then you don't take full responsibility. The good news is now your mind has awakened to the reality that you have Volition and are responsible for navigating the dimensions of your mind to do what you Will and think in a positively different direction. A good example is when you decide to do a particular thing for example to study; even when all your senses aren't cooperating or responding as quickly as you Will, you eventually get them to focus. You concentrate on studying or doing anything that at that moment seemed important. It could be driving for some, helping a child with their homework, learning to do a particular thing or focusing on doing a good job. This is an example of directing the mind because it is within your power of influence. Many people don't take advantage of the power of their mind. We sometimes allow our mind to drift away into negative territory where we are overwhelmed with fear to move on and do better. Other times we don't sway our minds in any direction, we live in an endless inaction that doesn't seem to improve our situation or propel us into an awareness of a better life. Here are some tips to spark our mind into thinking positively that will inadvertently improve the quality of our life. When we begin to think in a positive light, many good things happen.
First step is to be happy that you are alive and that there's hope to have a better life if you give it a chance. Being alive is the single most crucial element of our human existence, as it registers hope. It means that we are capable of effecting meaningful changes, that we can dream. The importance of being grateful for our life cannot be overemphasized, that alone should put a smile on your face.
Second step is you have to look around you and be thankful for the things you have such as your loving family, friends, your talent, your job and your health. There are many things that are around us that should be appreciated always. Look for those things and say aloud to yourself. "I am blessed and have a good life because I have friends and family that love me. I have hope to be better and happier. I am a talented person, I will not only survive but will thrive". Say whatever you are proud of, for instance your children, your accomplishments e.t.c. Remember that you never know the value of what you have till you loose it. Don't wait until you've lost something valuable to appreciate its presence and existence. Start now and tell those you love that you love them, do the things you love. You've got just one life to live. Also accept love when offered.
Third step is to write positive things about your life in your diary or a note book you can carry with you easily. Write every good thing that you do, every good thing that happens to you and when you feel a little bit depressed or sad, look into this diary and remind yourself of the good things in your life. Make sure to write and anchor your mind back into positive thinking. Writing calms our nerves and is evidence of the good around you.
Fourth step: What are those things that make you happy? Write out the things that make you happy, such as your interests, your hobbies and find ways to do them. Come up with action steps and plans that will support the things that make you happy. Write out how to make it happen for you even with your limited time. If thinking positively is a top priority for you then you have to do what it takes to make it happen. We have to work on happiness just as we work on other things that are important to us. For example if you enjoy concerts and singing or writing poetry, sports, social gatherings and so on then find the appropriate platforms and people that have these interests and join them. You could also attend locally organized activities that support your happiness or better still organize one. Just find ways to do what you love and what makes you happy.
Fifth step: Talk about the good things in your life. When you meet with people, talk about the good things that happened to you or how good you feel about something, maybe your hair cut, your ideas, your interests e.t.c, you'll realise that this will make you happier and people would enjoy your company more. Many people dwell on their insecurities and flaws and share it with anyone willing to listen unfortunately it only worsens the situation because when people look at you, they are reminded of all your insecurities. For example someone always complaining about their weight, when next you see them you're inching to see if they have put on extra kilos or if they've lost some. On the other hand someone who might be overweight but talks about everything great about them but their weight, very little or no attention is attributed to their weight but to other things. This removes any pressure or concern about their weight because there's more to them than what they weigh. Feeling good also comes with saying positive things about yourself. Give yourself some credit and grace. Be proud of yourself and tell the good news not the negative. You should only talk about your problems when you are sure the person will be able to help you solve them and it's highly recommended to talk to a professional or someone you really trust being confident that the person won't judge you continuously by it. Otherwise it will only make people see your problems and not the so many good things about you. Bottom line, focus on the good.
Sixth step: Smile at yourself in the mirror, smile at someone or two people you see on your way to work even if you don't know them. It's going to make you feel good. Help people when you can and say something nice to someone everyday. When you do nice things, it reminds you of how generous, kind, good natured and warm hearted you are. These positive attributes make us feel and think positively about ourselves. Just thinking about doing something nice for a friend, loved ones, strangers improves my mood. I'm sure you'll feel the same.
Seventh Step: When things go wrong, maybe at work or in your personal life, don't spend time worrying about the problem, think about solutions. If you can't make it better, learn from it and move on.
Final step: I find meditation to be very effective. Spend a certain amount of time for instance two minutes daily in thankful prayer or in silence and reflect on the progress of your positive thinking. It not only calms you but allows you see things clearly.
I hope these steps will guide you through positive thinking. It may take some time to get used to this way of thinking but your brain will adapt to the changes shortly. Remember you're the captain here. You're in control and you influence your mind in ways that make you a better person. Choose to live your best life by thinking positively today.
KC Nwokoye is a Professional Communicator and columnist for SG2 magazine.