Life will not be all plain sailing. Indeed, hardship, trials and tribulations are part and parcel of our lives. Encountering problems is not a bad thing, what matters is the approach we take to deal with it. A positive frame of mind is essential for so many reasons. Positive thinking is proven to increase performance in efficiency and quality. We are usually more confident and perform better when we are feeling positive and well.
There are biological examples of this. A positive frame of mind is because of enhanced levels of neuro transmitters such as serotonin that regulate the performance capabilities of the mind. The knock effects of a positive frame of mind also include enhanced health not only improved mental health but better in the physical sense aswell. This is due to the boost to the immune system that a positive frame of mind can give you.
The opposite is also true, if we are depressed we are a lot more liable to getting other diseases and mental health issues. Our relationships with other people deteriorate, we start to think irrationally and our confidents can drop. In short this is a frame of mind that is best to avoid at all costs. Feeling depressed from time to time is not unusual but the way in which we choose to deal with an issue comes from our state of mind.
A positive mental attitude is also about giving you a can do attitude. People who think positively are far more likely to see challenges instead of problems or possibilities instead of difficulties. For example, entrepreneurs who are successful often are because they are able to spot opportunities for growth in a sector which other people only see troubles in. The positive mental attitude of a successful individual means that opportunity becomes a reality; because they also have the drive and motivation to ensure success and make their dream come true. So as you can see there is much to be gained from a positive mental attitude. The issue for a lot of people is in developing one in the first place.
Developing a positive frame of mind is not some new aged trend. For ages religious men and scholars alike searched for and created ways to harness an inner tranquility. While this may have begun to make mankind closer to god the essence of this idea is just as relevant today. That a positive frame of mind makes us closer to the divine while a negative frame of mind can only steer us in to ways of being that are a detriment to our lives. Monks realised this long ago which is why they devote themselves to a life of abstinence and mental and spiritual fulfilment.
Among the easiest ways to determine your frame of mind is to think of how you are with other people. A good way to do this is to picture how you behave towards people you do not know. Are you outgoing and open to meeting and talking with other people? Or are you insular and shy. Believe it or not one of the best ways to conquer a negative frame of mind is to change your frame of mind towards the world around you and that means the people in it too. If you are generally uncomfortable around others then try this experiment.
One night push yourself to strike up a conversation at random in a public place. Do not be concerned about how you look or appear or what you talk about. A reference about the weather or anything will do. Just try it and note how you feel afterwards.
You see, the way you are with others will have an effect on the opportunities you get offered. Think about it like this who is the most likely to get a job between two people of identical ability and experience except for one difference, One is uptight and uncomforable with other people and the other is laid back and comfortable with others. If I was the boss I know which one I would pick for the Job.
Are you feeling down and unable to shift that negative frame of mind? If so check out Quentin’s free seminar on Overcoming social anxiety.