BE POSITIVE!!

Posted on 30th Jan 2015

BE POSITIVE!!

Avinash applied for a new job, but as his self-esteem was low, and he considered himself as a failure and unworthy of success, he was sure that he was not going to get the job. He had a negative attitude towards himself, and believed that the other applicants were better and more qualified than him. Avinash manifested this attitude because he was not admitted to most of the jobs he applied to, and consequently had negative past experience. 

His mind was filled with negative thoughts and fears concerning the job for the whole week before the job interview. He was sure he would be rejected. On the day of the interview he got up late. During the interview he was tense, displayed a negative attitude, and felt hungry because he did not have enough time to eat breakfast. All this distracted his mind and made it difficult for him to focus on the interview. His overall behavior made a bad impression, and consequently he materialized his fear and did not get the job. 

Jatin applied for the same job too, but approached the matter in a different way. He was sure that he was going to get the job. During the week preceding the interview he often visualized himself making a good impression and getting the job. 

In the evening before the interview he prepared the clothes he was going to wear, and went to sleep a little earlier. On day of the interview he woke up earlier than usual, and had ample time to eat breakfast, and then to arrive to the interview before the scheduled time.  

He got the job because he made a good impression. Of course he had also the proper qualifications for the job, but so had Avinash. 

What do we learn from these two stories? Is there any magic employed here? No, it is all natural. When the attitude is positive we entertain pleasant feelings and constructive images, and see in our mind's eye what we really want to happen. This brings brightness to the eyes, more energy and happiness. The whole being broadcasts good will, happiness and success. Even the health is affected in a beneficial way. We walk tall and the voice is more powerful. Our body language shows the way you feel inside. 

So what does one mean by Positive thinking?

Positive thinking means admitting into the mind thoughts, words and images that are conductive to growth, expansion and success. It is the expectation of good and favorable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds. 

Positive thinking is constructive thinking. It involves considering real solutions, problem solving, objectivity, logic, and honesty rather than ruminating, dwelling on the past, obsessing over an issue, or wishful thinking.

Why Think Positively?

All of our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. We are in control, whether we know it or not.

We can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, active or passive. It is a personal choice that we exercise and once this choice is made it guides us throughout our lives.
Hence if we have a negative attitide it is going to be a guiding force throughout. The first step in changing our attitudes is to change our inner conversations.

Take the following test and know for yourself as to how much of a positive thinker you are:

TRUE OR FALSE TEST

Answer the following statements by circling true or false.

How to score: Give yourself one point for each "true" answer on the test. # = ______

What the points suggest:       1-3:       You generally feel good about yourself. Keep up your positive way of thinking. 4-6:       The mental miseries may be gaining on you. Take time to renew your positive traits.  7+:       Challenge yourself to change your way of thinking. You are at the moment indulging in too much negative thinking.

To be contd:

Next article would incorporate approaches or ways of increasing one’s positive thinking.

 Shital Ravi.Consulting psychologist.shitalravi@rediffmail.com