3 Top Tips for Practising Positive Thinking in Tough Times

When problems and unexpected obstacles arise, finding the resilience to stay positive can feel like the impossible. To keep going no matter what, even when we feel negative. Is there a magic formula for coping with setbacks?

Today we are excited to wave our wand of positivity and share our ‘mental magic tricks’ on how to practise positive self-talk (when negative stuff happens).

Positive thinking won’t let you do anything, but it will let you do everything better than negative thinking will. – Zig Ziglar

But first…

You have a problem and that’s totally normal.

When negative things happen in our lives, we can feel like the victims. We ask ourselves ‘why us?’ and compare ourselves to others. However, the simple truth is that experiencing problems does not mean that we are unlucky, nor does it signify the end of our journey towards our big goals.

But, setbacks like these shouldn’t get you down and they are certainly not the end of the world. Instead, they are an opportunity to learn, to grow and to reinvent.

Think about it for a second. Can you name one single person who has never faced a problem? Change and problems are an inevitable part of our everyday lives. You are not alone.

And the amazing news about your problem?

You have the power to positively respond to it and in every moment we have a choice.

We can choose to suffer, see the negative and carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Or we can shift our mental attitude using these three mental magic tricks, activating The Law of Personal Power and reinventing our problems into opportunities.

How to Practise Positive Thinking

If you find yourself being overly self-critical and negative about a problem, then take a step back. First, accept the state that you find yourself in. Even by having the awareness that you are thinking negatively can start you off you on the right track again.
Here are a few top tips to get you back to positive thinking.

Top Tip Number One: The Reframe

The reframe is about changing our perspective on how we view our problem, and it’s simple to perform. Simply state or write down your problem in one or two sentences.

Then ask yourself…

• What’s good about this?
• How is this an opportunity to learn and grow?
• In what way could this situation be for the positive?

As you answer these questions notice how your attention and energy begins to flow towards the positive. Feel how your attention shifts to seek solutions and your mood lifts as you find opportunity in adversity.

Top Tip Number Two: Magical Affirmations

Ta da… At number two we have affirmations, a powerful and proven way to shift our mood and create the reality we want. Affirmations are proven to reprogram our subconscious mind.

The practice of repeating daily affirmations can bring positive changes to your mood. This trick is simple, find some affirmations and repeat them at least once daily.

You can either read them aloud or write them down first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

We’ve pulled together our own list of powerful affirmations to get you started.

Top Tip Number Three: Self- care

Abracadabra! At number three we have the magic of self-care. Sometimes when we are facing a problem or an obstacle it’s helpful just to relax, to do the things we enjoy and take some time for us.

Whether it’s running a hot bath, walking, meditating, watching your favourite movie or dancing around some favourite old songs – go for it.

Be good to yourself, remind yourself of the things you can enjoy and be grateful.

And finally…

Problems are only temporary, solutions will come.

Notice that how re-framing, working with The Law of Personal Power and directing your attention to what you do want changes.

The Power lies within you to change.