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The Power of Positive Thinking: How to Train Your Brain for Success in 2023
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As we stand at the beginning of 2023, you have a choice to make.
Will you choose to focus on the scary future that the media loves telling us about? How there are recessions coming, wars in Europe, Eskom and all its issues, elections in 2024, unemployment, potholes and on and on.
Or will you choose to see that you have not been defeated. You still have so much to be grateful for. Look around you. What are you grateful for? Your health? Your family? The ability to work? The ability to play? As South Africans, we are remarkably tough and resilient.
One of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal in the year ahead is the power of positive thinking. By training your brain to focus on the good, you can significantly increase your chances of success in all areas of your life.
Positive thinking isn’t just about ignoring the negative or pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about actively seeking out the good in every situation and focusing on it. This mindset can help you approach challenges with a can-do attitude, bounce back from setbacks more quickly, and see opportunities where others see only obstacles.
So how can you train your brain to think more positively? Here are a few strategies to get you started:
1. Practice gratitude
One of the simplest and most effective ways to cultivate a positive mindset is to regularly practice gratitude. Make a habit of taking a few moments each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This can be as simple as making a mental list or writing down three things you are thankful for in a journal.
2. Follow Stoic wisdom
The stoic Marcus Aurelius recommends in Meditations that you should imagine how your life would be if you did not have that person, object or experience. Something as simple as fresh air should not be taken for granted. Ask those unfortunate people living in China or Delhi about the value of clean air.
3. Surround yourself with positivity
The people and environments we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on our mindset. Make an effort to surround yourself with positive, supportive people and avoid negative influences as much as possible. Additionally, try to create a positive, uplifting environment in your home and workspace.
4. Focus on solutions, not problems
When faced with a challenge, it can be tempting to get stuck in a cycle of negative thinking. Instead of dwelling on the problem, try to focus on finding a solution. This can help you approach challenges with a sense of confidence and determination, rather than getting bogged down by negative thoughts.
5. Reframe negative thoughts
Negative thoughts are a natural part of life, and it’s unrealistic to try to eliminate them completely. However, you can learn to reframe negative thoughts in a more positive light. For example, instead of thinking “I’ll never be able to do this,” try reframing the thought as “I may not have succeeded yet, but I will keep trying until I find a solution.”
6. Take care of yourself
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is an important foundation for positive thinking. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy meals. Additionally, make time for activities that nourish your soul, such as hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and practising self-care.
Positive thinking isn’t just a feel-good phrase – it’s a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals and live a happier, more fulfilling life. By making a conscious effort to train your brain to focus on the good, you can set yourself up for success in the new year and beyond. So, be positive and make your 2023 the best year ever.
