You can “train” your brain and thought patterns, just like the rest of your body. It requires some effort, just like it does when we train to become more physically fit, or when we go to school to learn something new.
We have to keep working steadily over time to reach training goals. We know it’s not enough to work out just once, as it were, to be fully trained and in good shape.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle
Scientists estimate that people think somewhere between 12,000 and 50,000 thoughts every day. Although this number is high, the most sensational finding from the researchers was that most of those thoughts are negative!
You can practice having a positive inner dialogue. The way you choose to see yourself, and your belief that you can cope, affect the way you react.
Here are some tips:
1. Start your day with a positive mindset
Set intention for the day. For example:
- I will stop taking things personally
- Challenges exist to be solved.
Or, think about what is good about today.
2. Change your way of thinking
It is easy to be preoccupied with what you can’t do or are unsure about. Start by taking care of nice moments or good experiences in your everyday life.
Focus on the good things in your life.
The more you can bring your attention to that which you feel grateful for, the more you’ll notice to feel grateful for.
Log the events. This will reinforce the experience. In addition, you can bring your records out later and remind yourself of all that is good.
As you begin to keep track of positive events, it is common for negative thoughts and feelings to be weakened – just by virtue of keeping these records. This happens because you give yourself permission to shift your focus.
3. Practice challenging your thought patterns
We are often our worst critics. You can practice challenging your thoughts and stop talking yourself down.
- How do you talk to yourself?
- Would you say the same thing to a friend?
- What could happen if you started to think differently?
What would be different if you were in the same situation but didn’t think as you do now?
4) Get to know yourself
How do you react when you find yourself in a challenging situation or are stressed? Can you change the way you react?
- Reflect on how you solve challenges.
- Find new ways to solve your challenge.
- Make time for adjustment and practicing.
Practice makes perfect – it is not done overnight.
Do you need help to get started? Try Mindfit app for free
