The Power of Positive Thinking

Are people with a positive disposition happier? 

Do optimists have a higher level of satisfaction in their lives? 

Are positive people healthier? 

Consider the following from the Harvard School of Public Health:

Keys to a happier, healthier life

Research suggests that certain personal attributes—whether inborn or shaped by positive life circumstances—help some people avoid or healthfully manage diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and depression. These include:

  • Emotional vitality: a sense of enthusiasm, hopefulness, engagement

  • Optimism: the perspective that good things will happen, and that one’s actions account for the good things that occur in life

  • Supportive networks of family and friends

  • Being good at “self-regulation,” i.e. bouncing back from stressful challenges and knowing that things will eventually look up again; choosing healthy behaviors such as physical activity and eating well; and avoiding risky behaviors such as unsafe sex, drinking alcohol to excess, and regular overeating

How to be more positive:

  • Be mindful and aware of your thoughts throughout your day

  • Stop any negative thoughts or reactions immediately

  • Slow down, take a calm moment and consider how you can change your thoughts or inner voice

  • Let the past go knowing that you've learned from any mistakes and you're looking forward to a better future

Create positive inner thoughts

Change your inner dialogue from negative to positive:

"I can't do this"                        "I'm looking forward to this challenge"

"I'm not good at this"              "Here's an opportunity to better myself"

"I hate doing this"                    "I'll feel fantastic after this accomplishment"

Be positive and beyond

Spend a few quiet moments each day to reflect on the good things in your life

Tell yourself the things you want to feel and who you want to be

Retrain your morning thoughts and routine to start the day off great

Do you agree that positive thoughts create positive feelings and therefore attract positive life experiences?