How successful and happy we are is often defined not by what happens to us, but rather, by how we react to the events in our lives. It is our subconscious beliefs about ourselves and the world around us that determine whether the reactions are positive or negative and whether the resulting outcome helps us or sabotages us.
Poor self-esteem and other negative beliefs are often at the very root of many personal problems and can cause massive damage to a person's ability to succeed. The irony is that often these beliefs are often formed in childhood and are now either untrue for us or simply inappropriate for an adult and yet these underlying beliefs persist and are rarely re-assessed or challenged.
Positive Affirmations are positive statements; you can use them to reinforce positive aspects of the self and are effective in countering negative thought patterns. Positive affirmations also help start the process of self re-assessment, challenging those old negative beliefs about the self. By regularly repeating affirmations and keeping them in the forefront of your consciousness, you help develop new positive thoughts and a new positive mindset. By replacing the old negative thoughts with new positive thoughts, the positive affirmations open up a completely new set of life possibilities that simply did not seem possible before.
Breaking out of negative thinking is a cathartic experience. Suddenly instead of feeling "stuck", caged or trapped by the old negative beliefs, you are released. At last able to spread the wings of life without fear and follow your dreams and your destiny unencumbered by the old baggage of negativity.
To use your positive affirmations effectively, you must use them regularly and consistently. I often leave positive affirmation cards that I have written lying about in places where I know I will see them and be reminded of them regularly throughout the day.
Perhaps the most important thing to understand about affirmations and how to use them is to be aware that every word we speak, every thought we think is also a form of affirmation. It is vital that when we catch ourselves being negative about ourselves, or about those around us, or anything for that matter. We stop, and find a new positive way of expressing ourselves that reflects the new positive self that we want to be. Initially this can be hard, but the good news is that if we persist, not only does it get easier; our slip-ups come less often.
Quotes About Life Change
In life, you are always filled with choices. You may opt to have a pessimist's view and live a self-defeated life or you may decide to take the optimist's route and take a challenging and fulfilling life.
So why nurture an optimist's point of view? And why now?
Well, optimism has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to academic, athletic, military, occupational and political success; to popularity; to good health and even to long life and freedom from trauma.
On the other hand, the rates of depression and pessimism have never been higher. It affects middle-aged adults the same way it hits younger people. The mean age of onset has gone from 30 to 15. It is no longer a middle-aged housewife's disorder but also a teen-ager's disorder? as well.
Here's how optimists are in action and researches that back up why it really pays to be an optimist:
Optimists expect the best
The defining characteristic of pessimists is that they tend to believe bad events, which will last a long time and undermine everything they do, are their own fault.
The truth is optimists are confronted with the same hard knocks of this world. What differs is the way they explain their misfortune---it's the opposite way. They tend to believe defeat is just a temporary setback, that its causes are confined to this one case.
Optimists tend to focus on and plan for the 'problem' at hand. They use 'positive reinterpretation.' In other words, they most likely reinterpret a negative experience in a way that helps them learn and grow. Such people are unfazed by bad situation, they perceive it is a challenge and try harder.
They won't say ?things will never get better,? ?If I failed once, it will happen again? and ?If I experience misfortune in one part of my life, then it will happen in my whole life.?
Positive expectancies of optimists also predict better reactions during transitions to new environments, sudden tragedies and unlikely turn of events. If they fall, they will stand up. They see opportunities instead of obstacles.
People respond positively to optimists
Optimists are proactive and less dependent on others for their happiness. They find no need to control or manipulate people. They usually draw people towards them. Their optimistic view of the world can be contagious and influence those they are with.
Optimism seems a socially desirable trait in all communities. Those who share optimism are generally accepted while those who spread gloom, panic and hysteria are treated unfavorably.
In life, these people often win elections; get voted most congenial and sought for advice.
When the going gets tough, optimists get tougher
Optimists typically maintain higher levels of subjective well-being during times of stress than do people who are less optimistic. In contrast, pessimists are likely to react to stressful events by denying that they exist or by avoiding dealing with problems. Pessimists are more likely to quit trying when difficulties arise.
They persevere. They just don't give up easily, they are also known for their patience. Inching their way a step closer to that goal or elusive dream.
Optimists are healthier and live longer
Medical research has justified that simple pleasures and a positive outlook can cause a measurable increase in the body's ability to fight disease.
Optimists? health is unusually good. They age well, much freer than most people from the usual physical ills of middle age. And they get to outlive those prone to negative thoughts.
So why not be an optimist today? And think positively towards a more fulfilled life.
Why not look forward to success in all your endeavors? Why not be resilient? Like everybody else you are bound to hit lows sometimes but don't just stay there. Carry yourself out of the mud and improve your chances of getting back on the right track. And why not inspire others to remove their dark-colored glasses and see life in the bright side?
Both George Symond & Janette Marie Freeman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Janette Marie Freeman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Kids and Teens, Doberman Pinscher and Pets. Dr. Janette Marie Freeman, author also of "Why Did This Happen to Me Again? Keys to Lasting Transformation," and "Live the Life You Love - In Spirit" For your free subscription to the popular "Live Richly" Newsletter go to. Janette Marie Freeman's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
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