MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY WITH DAN: The Power of Positive Thinking (3)

“Negative thinkers complain and whine about PROBLEMS. Positive thinkers focus their mind, energies and actions on finding SOLUTIONS. “– Dan Ekoko

Last week I shared on the benefits of positive thinking. A positive mental attitude can offer better psychological and physical well-being, decrease depression, reduce stress, enhance relationships, increase chances of success and help you cope better during challenging and difficult times. Today, I want to share tips on how you can improve your positive thinking skills.

Staying positive in today’s world can seem almost impossible with a great deal going on in our lives and around us. But, focusing on negatives and the things that are wrong with our world serves no useful purpose. In fact, it doesn’t help anything. Staying down because you have failed an exam or a job interview doesn’t solve anything. Blaming your parents for whatever error while raising you doesn’t fix what’s broken or make your life and situation better. I always tell people that those who succeed in this world aren’t the ones who don’t encounter obstacles and failures. Rather they are those who respond to obstacles and failures with hope, positive mental attitude and relentless optimism.

▪Here are some tips on how to develop a positive mental attitude:

?Count Your Blessings.
“We are all blessed, but the problem is that some of us count their blessings while others count their struggles, challenges and obstacles.” ― Edmond Mbiaka.

Gratitude allows us to celebrate the present. It magnifies positive emotions. The habit of being grateful is one of the most important life-changing habits we can cultivate. Be grateful and give thanks for the special things in your life rather than taking them for granted. Don’t allow your lacks, the struggles, challenges and obstacles blindfold you from recognizing how blessed you are. Take every opportunity to thank God for the things you have in life, no matter how small or big. It can make all the difference between where you are now and where you want to be.

?Learn To Turn Your Lemons Into Lemonade.
Look for the lessons to be learned in every situation. Whenever things don’t turn out as planned, instead of feeling depressed, do what you can to make the best of the situation. Don’t dissipate energy or waste time on a failed attempt. Learn the lessons and move on. Nobody is perfect. That includes you. You are going to make mistakes and experience setbacks in multiple contexts, in multiple situations and with multiple people. Remember: Successful people turn their failures into lessons.

?Surround Yourself With Positive People.
Spend time with people who are positive and supportive. Find positive friends, mentors and allies who will positively energize you. If you surround yourself with negative and drowning people, they will contaminate you with their negativity and drag you down with them.

?Study The Triumphs And Success Stories Of Others.
“That some achieved great success is proof to all that others can achieve it as well” – Abraham Lincoln

Many successful people have gone through challenging circumstances and adversity to reach where they are. Many overcame odds to reach the peak of their careers. Learning about their failure stories, trials and tribulations can inspire you to achieve that which you choose to achieve. To stay positive, focused and gain momentum, look for motivation in the failure and success stories of others.

▪Turn Challenges Into Opportunities.
Life doesn’t always go smoothly. There is no changing that! There will always be challenges, roadblocks and barriers on our paths. Instead of allowing those challenges stop you from reaching your goals and dreams, turn them into opportunities and ladders. If you see challenges as opportunities to become stronger, wiser and more resilient, you are thinking positively and productively. Positive thinking offers huge and pleasant returns. The more often you practice it, the greater benefits you will realize. As the new week unfolds, remember, that those who succeed in this world aren’t the ones who don’t encounter obstacles and failures. Rather they are those who respond to obstacles and failures with hope, positive mental attitude and relentless optimism. To your success!