The power of positivity

There is an abundance of research showing that the outlook you choose to have has a direct impact on your happiness, stress level and ability to cope with whatever life throws at you. In other words, you are absolutely in charge of your thoughts.

Negative talk feels bad. But rather than telling yourself to stop having negative thoughts, approach it in a compassionate and non-judgmental way and ask yourself how it makes you feel to talk like that and why do you feel the need to degrade yourself in that way? This applies to your appearance, your abilities, and your educational and economical background as well as how you view others.

Self-defeating or negative words:

• I can't
• I'm not good enough
• I'll fail
• I'm useless
• It's impossible

Positive words that evoke confidence:

• I can
• I will
• I do
• I know
• I choose
• I am

Certain thoughts are helpful and certain thoughts are harmful. Harmful thoughts can keep you stuck and undermine your confidence and ability to function in the world. Helpful thoughts can help you flourish and propel you forward. Just like helpful thoughts propelled me forward to finishing a marathon. You have the choice of whether you are going to give voice to the harmful thought patterns or try to change them. You are in charge of your thoughts.