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Each day, tens of thousands of thoughts run through our heads, and of those thoughts, the majority are negative. We spend all day bullying ourselves mentally, then wonder why we have anxiety or depression. As it turns out, having a positive mental attitude is beneficial to our mental and physical well-being.
In this post, I’ll explain what a positive mental attitude is and give you some examples of positive self-talk. I’ll also show you how to easily become a more positive thinker.
What is a Positive Mental Attitude?
Even though we don’t hear it, we’re talking to ourselves mentally all day. When most of our thoughts are negative, it creates a bleak and deflating atmosphere in our minds. The way we think all day affects how we see ourselves and the world around us. Unfortunately, having a negative outlook makes us more likely to have a poor self-image and easily accept defeat.
On the other hand, people with a positive attitude are more persevering and have a better self-image. Thinking positively allows us to be more productive and not dwell on things that are out of our control.
Creating a positive mental attitude doesn’t necessarily mean ignoring the bad things in life. Rather, you’re choosing to be more proactive about them and expecting things to get better instead of worse. While negative thinking can come from logic, much of it stems from overthinking and fear.
Why Having a Positive Attitude Is Beneficial
Developing a positive attitude can help build confidence, empowerment, and promotes self-forgiveness. All this helps us heal poor self-esteem and create a healthy mindset for ourselves.
Thinking positively can help us with stress management, which means it can benefit our physical health as well. Stress can cause depression, headaches, raise the risk of heart attack, and even cause fertility problems. While thinking positively may not necessarily treat current illnesses, it can help prevent future ones from happening.
However, there are times when being positive can be demeaning and invalidating. Toxic positivity is when one doesn’t allow themselves or others to feel their pain, masking it with positivity. Imagine putting a smile on your face, even when you’re emotionally falling apart. Hiding painful emotions instead of working through them is harmful to your mental well-being.
Toxic positivity isn’t helpful or healthy for anyone. You’re allowed to experience negative emotions, so don’t let anyone invalidate the way you feel. Our goal here isn’t to force a smile but to make your mental atmosphere a more friendly one.
How to Incorporate Positive Self-Talk
It’s possible to create a positive attitude for yourself, but it requires a bit of training. To do this, you must practice positive thinking regularly and catch the negative thoughts you’re having. For this, I recommend using positive self-affirmations and journaling for self-reflection.
When journaling, try writing down some of the limiting beliefs you have. Or, if you don’t know what they are, try writing about the things you don’t like about yourself or your life. Now ask yourself these questions:
- Is this a limiting belief?
- Is it useful to feel negative about it?
- Why am I having this thought?
- Is the thought truthful?
Think of something positive or neutral to replace the negative thought. Now, when you notice yourself having that thought, replace it with your positive/neutral version. A great way to do this is to notice any small wins you had or find something you like about yourself. Think of them instead. It will be hard to replace your thoughts at first, but like anything, it gets easier over time.
Also, notice when you’re being overly hard on yourself. We have a habit of blaming ourselves when things go wrong, even when they aren’t our fault. If you did make a mistake, try reframing it so you don’t see it as a failure. See it as a stepping stone to reaching your goals or think of it as a new opportunity to learn.
Throughout the day, take time to notice positive things happening around you. As a negative thinker, you may be filtering out the positive in the world and ignoring it. Let’s try to change that around. If you can, surround yourself with positive people to help you think this way.
“Inspiration comes from within yourself. One has to be positive. When you’re positive, good things happen.” – Deep Roy Click To Tweet
Examples of Positive Self-Talk
Self-affirmations are the thoughts and beliefs you have that you repeat to yourself, even if you’re unaware. Replacing negative self-affirmations with positive ones can help nurture a positive mental attitude, so it happens on its own. As you replace these thoughts, your brain will look for proof they exist, making you more likely to act the way you’re thinking.
For example, if you always think you’re going to have a bad day, you likely will. However, if you always tell yourself you’re in control, things will feel easier to manage.
Here’s a list of positive affirmations to get your mind into the habit of speaking confidently to itself:
- Today, I am letting go of stress.
- I do not worry about things I can’t control.
- I am fearless.
- There’s an abundance of opportunities coming my way.
- Happiness comes to me effortlessly.
- Every day, I’m taking steps toward reaching my goals.
- With every breath I take, I’m getting calmer.
- I am bold and beautiful.
- I let go of my negative beliefs and strive towards positivity.
- My body is strong and capable.
- I am worthy of everything that I desire and more.
- My skills are in demand, and I am appreciated.
Positive Mental Attitude: Conclusion
Creating a positive mental attitude is easy to do and helpful in so many ways. With a positive mindset, we can become more productive and have a better self-image. So, let’s get to it! Go through the examples of positive self-talk and find one you like. Then, repeat it until you realize it’s true.
With these skills and enough practice, you can start thinking positively and see the benefits for yourself. You may or may not believe they work, but what do you have to lose? Give them a try because you might be surprised!
Do you have any daily positive affirmations that you like to use? Share them in the comments!
That’s it for now everyone. If you’ve found some value in this post, please share it to inspire others too! Thanks!
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A Little Extra Help:
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