10 Ways to Discover the Power of Positive Thinking

The power of positive thinking can change your life. Positive thoughts can give you a new perspective, which opens up the doors to a new way of thinking. These motivational thoughts can give you the boost you need to make things happen. Focusing on positive thoughts instead of negative ones allows you to tap into your strengths and accomplishments instead of your weaknesses or barriers.

Negative outlooks put up road blocks to the power of positive thinking and this then makes it even harder for us to manage challenges and move forward. Positive thoughts also increases happiness and motivation. This, in turn, allows us to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and frustrted.

The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns.

When you are not taking care of yourself physically and emotionally, you are blocking positive thoughts. If you are sick, it is difficult to think positive. Being ill can contribute to a negative thought pattern. To prevent this from happening, it is essential that you take care of yourself.

Your physical health is a huge factor that plays into positive psychology and your mindset. Exercise also releases endorphins that contribute to positive thinking.

It's much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.

Too often, people focus on absolutes in their thinking.  This is another way you are blocking the power of positive thinking.  Have you ever told someone "You're ALWAYS unhappy!" or complained to a friend "You are NEVER on time!"?

Thinking and speaking in absolutes like 'always' and 'never' makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering. Clearly, this leads down the path to a negative way of thinking.

Often times, just being around others can conjure up positive feelings of acceptance, fun times, and camaraderie, along with insightful discussions and funny stories.

By increasing social activity, you also decrease loneliness. Being around others who are positive will simply rub off and transform your way of thinking. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!

Even when times are bad, there is always something to be grateful for.  Often when we are in doom and gloom, we focus on the gray clouds, instead of the silver lining surrounding the dark stuff.   Change your thought pattern and look at the positive.

Stresses and challenges don't seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that you are grateful for. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.

This should go without saying, but negative thoughts crush positive thoughts. The power of positive thinking lies in how you react to the negative thoughts.

It is natural that negative thoughts will come across your mind.  But, your thoughts can't hold any power over you if you don't judge them or react to them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, acknowledge it, detach from it, and don't follow it.

Often times, we make assumptions instead of learning the facts. A fear of not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality.These fears block any healthy thoughts from penetrating your mind.

If you have a fear that a friend's bad mood is due to something that you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, speak up and confront them. Don't waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.

In his book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," Dr. Daniel Amen talks about "ANTs" - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the negative thoughts that are usually reactionary, like "Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me," or "My boss wants to talk to me. It must be bad!"

When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!

You don't have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant mood changer.  When you are feeling like you are overwhelmed and down, ask a friend or loved one for a hug.  This can snap you out of your bad mood in an instant.

Make time in your schedule to volunteer.  Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.

There are plenty of places to volunteer in your community.  Or just reach out and help someone who my need an extra hand or words of advice.  Helping others can really facilitate your own positive thoughts.

Sometimes, negative thoughts will dominate our thinking and before we know it, we are dwelling on those thoughts.

If you find yourself ruminating or worrying, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Ruminating on something negative is not usually productive, because it's not rational or solution-oriented, it's just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. Go to the gym. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.

When it comes to the power of positive thinking, there are things we can do to block that good energy from penetrating our thoughts.  When we recognize these patterns, it is easier to stop them and have more positive thoughts.

Negativity can also stomp out productivity and motivation. Inspirational thoughts and motivational thoughts can lead to a healthier life and a more positive outlook.  The power of these thoughts can simply lead to a better life all around.