Rumination is the cornerstone of depression and anxiety. It’s characterized by an excessive replaying of negative thoughts and memories. A new study finds rumination activates the same brain regions as savoring, or the replaying of positive thoughts. Can depressed people learn to use their brains’ natural abilities in a more constructive way?
Steven Handel
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A new study finds that a “Science of Happiness” university course, designed to teach students a variety of happiness hacks, provides the most long-term benefits when participants stick with the tools and exercises after completion.
There have been many experiments showing the short-term benefits of positive psychological interventions like gratitude, meditation, kindness, and journaling, but not many studies have looked into these effects on a longer timeline.
At the University of Bristol, there’s a popular course known as “The Science of Happiness” that aims to teach students how to use various happiness hacks to improve their mental health and well-being. This course has been running since 2019 and has been offered both online and in-person.
The program balances practical advice with important information on topics such as: the nature of happiness, the role of biology and environment, cognitive biases, brain mechanisms, problem-solving, and the importance of social connection. At the end of each week, students are instructed to try evidence-based activities or “happiness hacks,” as a way of fostering positive mental well-being.
In previous years, individuals who took the course reported significantly increased mental well-being from the first week to the final week, as shown by a 10-15% increase in their scores on the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Participants also reported reduced loneliness and anxiety. A follow-up after six weeks continued to show sustained benefits, but it was unclear how long these positive effects lasted.
In a new study published in the journal Higher Education, researchers analyzed 228 undergraduate students from various disciplines who had completed the positive psychology course either 1 or 2 years ago. Interestingly, while most students reported short-term benefits, later group analysis revealed that these benefits did not persist uniformly across all participants during the long term follow-up period.
A deeper look at the data revealed a crucial factor behind the program’s success: continued engagement. Approximately 51% of the students who actively practiced the recommended activities taught during the course maintained their increased mental well-being over the follow-up period. These students consistently applied positive psychology principles in their daily lives at least a year after they completed the class.
Here’s a chart from the study illustrating the findings:
As you can see, those who continued to follow the “happiness hacks” maintained their gains in subjective well-being during the long term follow-up.
The most commonly reported technique that students continued to use was gratitude (37.17%), including writing letters of gratitude to others and making lists of things that they were grateful for (“three good things”). Other commonly reported techniques were mindfulness/meditation (33.63%), exercise (21.24%), journaling (17.70%) and kindness (10.62%).
The study recommends that schools and institutions consider the long-term impact of psychoeducational courses. While initial benefits are essential, sustained effects depend on prolonged engagement and commitment.
Course designs should incorporate mechanisms to encourage continued practice:
The goal of psychology – whether it’s with a course, book, article, therapist, or coach – is always to take what you learn and integrate it into your real world living.
In the moment, learning about these tools and exercises can provide a nice temporary boost of relief, but then we quickly get bored, forget about them, stop applying them, and lose out on their benefits over time.
Much like a diet or exercise regimen, you need to create a mental health system in your life that works for you and is sustainable into the future. Quick fixes are a myth. You’ll always snap back to your old ways if you don’t choose a course of action you can follow continuously and indefinitely.
In theory, choose habits you can do for the rest of your life. That’s the mindset you need for continuous growth, happiness, and well-being. Gratitude, kindness, meditation, exercise, and journaling can become habits that are just as second-nature to you as tying your shoes or driving a car. Make self-care an everyday occurence.
Ultimately, if you want to build a happy life, you have to be in it for the long haul.
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Steven Handel
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“Love On The Spectrum” is a reality television show centered on how people with autism view, seek, and find love. It’s a fun, inspiring, and heartwarming series that we can all draw many lessons from.
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Times change but wisdom stays the same. Check out this collection of inspirational Latin proverbs and find one that really resonates with you.
Wisdom surpasses time and place. Powerful thoughts spoken hundreds and thousands of years ago still ring true to us today.
One of my lifelong pastimes is collecting positive thoughts of all stripes. I have whole documents dedicated to inspirational quotes from people I look up to as role models, uplifting and motivational affirmations I’ve discovered over the years, and personal thoughts (every now and then I create a good one all on my own!).
Latin proverbs, in particular, possess a special power. Many of us are already familiar with a few popular ones: carpe diem (“seize the day”), cogito ergo sum (“I think, therefore I am”), or veni, vidi, vici (“I came, I saw, I conquered”).
These phrases have endured over the centuries, with some becoming part of our everyday discourse and others adopted as popular sayings in various institutions, such as primum non nocere (“first, do no harm”), a common saying in medicine and healthcare, or pro bono (“for the good”) a phrase in law referring to a lawyer working for no charge, or sic semper tyrannis (“thus always to tyrants”) which is often applied to politics and government.
Here’s a compilation of the more popular and noteworthy Latin proverbs. These cover a broad range of subjects and ideas, but you’re bound to find a few new ones that resonate with you.
Acta non verba
(“deeds not words”)
Ad meliora
(“towards better things”)
Ad victoriam
(“to victory”)
Audere est faucere
(“to dare is to do”)
Astra inclinant, sed non obligant
(“the stars incline us, they do not bind us”)
Bono malum superate
(“good will overcome evil”)
Carpe diem
(“seize the day”)
Calamus gladio fortior
(“the pen is mightier than the sword”)
Cogito, ergo sum
(“I think, therefore I am”)
Cras es noster
(“tomorrow, be ours”)
Dictum factum
(“what is said is done”)
Duc, sequere, aut de via decede
(“lead, follow, or get out of the way”)
Dum spiro, spero
(“while I breathe, I hope”)
Ego te provoco
(“I challenge you”)
Est modus in rebus
(“there is a middle way in all things”)
Faber est suae quisque fortunae
(“every man is the artisan of his own fortune”)
Familia supra omnia
(“family over everything”)
Fons vitae caritas
(“love is the fountain of life”)
Fortiter et fideliter
(“bravely and faithfully”)
Gladiator in arena consilium capit
(“the gladiator is formulating his plan in the arena”)
Grandescunt aucta labore
(“by work, all things increase and grow”)
Humilitas occidit superbiam
(“humility kills pride”)
Igne natura renovatur integra
(“through fire nature is reborn whole”)
Incepto ne desistam
(“may I not shrink from my purpose”)
Magna est vis consuetudinis
(“great is the power of habit”)
Memento mori
(“remember you must die”)
Memento vivere
(“remember you have to live”)
Memores acti prudentes future
(“mindful of what has been done, aware of what will be”)
Morior invictus
(“death before defeat”)
Non ducor, duco
(“I am not led, I lead”)
Nosce te ipsum
(“know thyself”)
Omne initium difficile est
(“every beginning is difficult”)
Ordo ab chao
(“order out of chaos”)
Palma non sine pulvere
(“no reward without effort”)
Pax vobiscum
(“peace be with you”)
Praesis ut prosis ne ut imperes
(“lead in order to serve, not in order to rule”)
Praemonitus, praemunitus
(“forewarned is forearmed”)
Pro bono
(“for the good”)
Primum non nocere
(“first do no harm”)
Qui non proficit, deficit
(“he who does not advance, goes backward”)
Qui totum vult totum perdit
(“he who wants everything loses everything”)
Sapientia potentia est
(“wisdom is power”)
Si vis amari, ama
(“if you wish to be loved, love”)
Sic parvis magna
(“greatness from small beginnings”)
Sic semper tyrannis
(“thus always to tyrants”)
Sic vita est
(“such is life”)
Suum cuique
(“to each his own”)
Tempus fugit
(“time flies”)
Tendit in ardua virtus
(“virtue strives for what is difficult”)
Ubi concordia, ibi victoria
(“where is unity, there is victory”)
Vacate et scire
(“be still and know”)
Veni, vidi, vici
(“I came, I saw, I conquered”)
Verba volant, scripta manent
(“words fly away, writing remains”)
Vincit qui se vincit
(“he conquers who conquers himself”)
Vis medicatrix naturae
(“the healing power of nature”)
Which ones do you like the best from the list above?
Choose 1-3 of these Latin proverbs and find a way to integrate them into your daily life. Practice unconscious positivity: write one down and post it on your fridge or bathroom mirror, create a piece of art or music dedicated to one, or make one into a digital password.
I have “cras es noster” (tomorrow, be ours) on the top of my whiteboard going into the new year.
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Steven Handel
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Are you beset with worries?
There is so much stress these days. The world as we know it has changed. It is hard to stay positive. Even harder to think daily positive thoughts, which many people recommend as a main way to stay positive.
It seems that bad things are happening everywhere, all the time, if you watch the news.
Many news headlines highlight the worst side of humanity, with people hoarding basic commodities, the stock market going into freefall and some random shooter killing large groups of people nearly every week. Things seem bad, so how can we have daily positive thoughts?
With all that’s been going on, it is natural to feel afraid, angry and discouraged. But it is important to remain calm and try not to get fixated on the negatives.
This post will help you find your zen, think daily positive thoughts and not feel to depressed at how seemingly bad things are getting.
The bad things going on in the world causes us to feel anxious. We also encounter challenges in our personal lives that sometimes cause us to overlook the inner work we’re doing to become more resilient and capable of facing our fears.
The type of mindset you have in times like is the best determiner of how well you’re going to cope.
Maintaining a positive outlook can enhance your capacity to withstand personal challenges, and even the challenges the whole of humanity is facing right now. This is one of the things you can do right now to feel better about life.
To help you see the positive side of things, we’ve compiled this collection of 61 positive and happy thoughts to help you get through a challenging day.
RELATED: Habits that Stick!
Want to build a new habit that will stick for the rest of your lifetime? In this video, you will discover a simple 9-step process about building habits that you can immediately implement.
Let’s dive in and get
the positive vibes rolling.
Many of us have been
conditioned to be self-critical instead of appreciating our own ability to make
it through challenges. When faced with setbacks, we tend to question our
ability to cope.
It’s time to adopt a new
mindset. Rather than putting yourself down, believe that you are capable of overcoming all obstacles in your path.
We all attract
experiences that confirm our beliefs. So, if you think that the world is out to
get you, you will definitely experience things that validate this thought.
The same is true if you
believe there is goodness in the world. If you are open to this thought, you
attract positive synchronicity in your everyday experiences, and things go more
smoothly.
Have you experienced days when nothing seems to go right? When we have days like this, it’s easy to berate ourselves and think we’re not good enough. But that is only true if you believe it to be.
Counter this thought by affirming that there are still opportunities for you to discover around you and within you. Move forward. Believe in your own possibilities.
We are currently faced
with a lot of uncertainty, and it’s only natural to feel afraid. However, we
should not allow fear to control us and prevent us from taking appropriate
action.
There are several
benefits of facing our fears:
We need to find ways to
lessen our anxiety, particularly at this difficult time. One way to do this is
by paying attention to things we can be
thankful for. Studies show that keeping track of the things we are
grateful for is good for our health.
A good way to get into
the thankfulness habit is by keeping a gratitude journal. If you need help to
get started, check out these 120
journal prompts to cultivate more thankfulness in your life.
This doesn’t necessarily
refer to love in a romantic sense. Instead, we are encouraging you to recognize
the value of life.
More importantly, we
invite you to be a transmitter of positivity. You can start doing this by
learning how to let go of bitterness and anger.
We used to put a premium
on hard work, sacrificing our health and well-being in the name of ambition.
However, many of us have now come to understand the undesirable effects of this
approach, including burnouts, mental breakdowns, and fatigue.
In order to really
succeed, you must never compromise your health. Remember to take care of your
body with the right exercise and proper diet. Take mental-health breaks as
needed. You deserve to be healthy, especially during this trying time.
Sometimes, it’s easy to
get stuck on the negatives—especially when going through a difficult situation.
We tend to overlook the
areas of our lives where we have much to be thankful for. If we acknowledge
that there are good things happening to us, it becomes easier to spot these
positives in our lives.
Here’s a challenge for
you: For the next seven days, at bedtime, identify at least two good things
that you experienced throughout the day. By doing so, you can enhance the positivity
in your life.
Letting go of the past is often difficult, especially if we have been
badly hurt. But to constantly relive the pain prevents us from experiencing
real happiness.
The thought above allows you to let go of a painful past. By choosing to let go, you become free, which helps you find peace of mind and true healing.
Sometimes we suffer
needlessly, thinking that we deserve pain. Perhaps this is a conditioning we developed
in childhood, especially if we’ve had a traumatic experience at the hands of
our primary caregivers.
However, as the saying
goes, “Your history does not define your
destiny.” You can choose how to live your life moving forward. Why not
choose to be happy today?
Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life, believes that
the path to happiness lies in our total acceptance of ourselves exactly as we
are. But this is usually easier said than done.
Many of us suffer from impostor syndrome. Others find the concept of self-love silly.
However, if we want to develop positivity, we need to begin appreciating who we
are, flaws and all.
We often worry about how
we’re doing in life right now. Many of us hurry through life, stressed out
because we’re not successful enough, rich enough, or popular enough.
But if you believe that
everything in your life will fall into place eventually, you no longer have to
be anxious about anything. Have faith—you’ll get there at the right time.
Being alive today is a
cause for celebration. Having a roof over your head is a very good reason to be
joyful. Having access to clean running water and electricity is reason enough to
be in a festive mood.
Don’t take life for
granted. Celebrate everything that you have.
Not too long ago, the entire world was freaked out at the thoughts of pandemic and lockdown. Many countries declared a state of emergency, and the financial sector has been hit hard. The health sector was overburdened, and some were saying this is the end of life as we know it.
We should not dwell on these fear-driven thoughts. Instead, let’s focus on what’s true. Just like a storm, this crisis will one day be over. Hold onto this thought as we continue to wait. The Pandemic sucked, but it is mostly over now, and has little impact on our day-to-day life.
Many people go through life thinking that they are unlovable. Because of this, they attract situations and relationships where they experience rejection.
To counter this, they
need to learn how to love themselves. This self-love is not a narcissistic
thing—it is the beginning of healing and true happiness.
Need some tips on how to
love yourself more? This post provides
suggestions on how you can fearlessly cultivate self-love.
There are several reasons why people
procrastinate. When
left unchecked, this tendency can easily become a habit. To counter this, we
need to adopt good time-management habits that encourage the proper use of our
time.
A little discipline on
our part goes a long way toward creating good habits. It also pays to tap into
our inner resources and believe that we are capable of change.
Do you tend to
second-guess yourself? Are you the type who often needs all the facts before
making a decision?
Take a break from overthinking and learn how to listen to what your instincts are telling you. Listening to your intuition is the ultimate act of trust you can show yourself. (Here are some tips to help you stop overthinking your relationship.)
You have something
unique and valuable to offer the world. When you learn to see your own value
and believe in it, you are inspiring others to see their own worth as well.
Respect your struggles.
Believe in your own limitless potential.
If you’ve lost your
sense of purpose and wonder what life is really about, consider getting out of
your comfort zone and being of service to others. For many, volunteer work
becomes a gateway for self-discovery.
This quote from Kahlil
Gibran suggests that being of service might be a way to find true happiness.
Although it is a scary notion, stepping out of our comfort zones is the only way for us to grow.
Challenges at work, school, or in our personal lives can be uncomfortable, so we often try to avoid confrontations as much as possible. However, these conflicts may be something that we need to go through in order to reach a higher level of maturity and wisdom.
Instead of viewing a
crisis as a threat, allow it to reveal opportunities to you.
If you have ever gone
through a trying period in your life, you may not have expected to cope as well
as you did. However, after you experienced those trials, you may have realized
that you were strong, resilient, and capable.
This is similar to
knowing your value. When you know your worth and believe in it, you are no
longer willing to settle. You distance yourself from situations where your
self-worth is diminished. Instead, you choose to be surrounded by people and
experiences that respect and celebrate your true worth.
Believe that you can do
it. Be your own cheerleader. If you have to fake it till you make it for
awhile, then do so. Just keep doing whatever you have to do to get to where you
want to go.
Most importantly,
believe that you can do it.
If you allow others to
dictate how you live your life, what happens to you when those people are gone?
No one else can write your story for you.
Take charge of your
destiny. Give yourself permission to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
It is easy to spread
negativity. For many people, it is easier to hate than understand. They hold
grudges and never trust anyone.
It’s not a surprise that, in our society, kindness if often considered a weakness, when in fact it is a strength. Being kind helps change the world for the better.
Do not diminish your own
efforts at working towards becoming a better person. If you have decided to cultivate
good habits, then that’s a reason for celebration!
It’s so easy to complain
and criticize when things are not going our way. However, by doing so, we
actually infuse our lives with a lot of negativity, until complaining becomes a
destructive habit.
To counter this, we need
to be mindful of the good, the positive, and the beautiful around us. Sometime,
these are not immediately obvious, and require us to look closer. Nevertheless,
always aim to see the positive side of things.
We are often afraid to
ask for help for fear of being thought of as weak or incapable. But sometimes
it is important to ask for help when we need it.
Our worth is not
diminished by needing assistance. Instead, we have the opportunity to learn from
those who we lean upon.
It never feels good when
your efforts seem to go unnoticed at work. But if you sometimes doubt the
contribution you’re making in your workplace, this positive affirmation can
keep insecurities about your career at bay.
In addition to using
this thought as a personal mantra for the workplace, the following actions can
also give you peace of mind about the status of your career:
Are you concerned that
you are not receiving the level of respect that you deserve, or that you’re
giving your colleagues? Perhaps now is the time to assert yourself.
Share your ideas during
meetings. Voice your opinion when the opportunity presents itself. Become
visible in the workplace in a positive way, and you’ll surely attract the
respect you want.
You know are capable of
finishing your tasks, so you should believe that you can meet your quotas.
Trust yourself to be able to deliver what’s expected of you and more.
You don’t need to be the
CEO of a corporation to make an impact. Doing your job well is a wonderful
contribution you can make, no matter what kind of work you do.
Although you may be
dedicated to your work, it is also important to remember to take care of your
health. It is only by being healthy that you will be able to do your work well.
Take advantage of days
off to regroup, de-stress, and do activities that promote self-love.
Have faith that people
are noticing the hard work that you’re doing. In due time, your efforts will be
rewarded. Meanwhile, always give your best effort, even if no one is watching.
Be inspired to reach
your dreams with this daily reminder. You may encounter challenges along the
way, but the important thing is to never give up going after what you want.
One tool to help you
achieve the life you want is a vision board. It harnesses the Law of Attraction to help you reach your goals. Check out this post
for helpful suggestions on the supplies you need in order to create your first
vision board.
In an ideal world,
everybody would work at their dream job. However, in reality, a lot of people
are dissatisfied with their work.
Perhaps you also feel
uninspired with the work that you do. If so, remind yourself that in the
current economic climate, having a job is a blessing.
To feel excited about going
to work, try using this positive mantra every morning as you commute to your
workplace. Repeat it to yourself as often as necessary.
Your contribution at
work does not have to be limited to what’s listed in your job description. You
can also strive to be the person who boosts your department’s morale.
You can be a source of
positivity in a high-stress environment. Show up, lend a hand, and be willing
to go the extra mile.
Here is another thought
that can inspire you, no matter what kind of work you do. It reminds you that
you can always make a positive impact. Do your work well and the world will
benefit from your expertise.
Highly successful people
never stop learning. It is actually this growth mindset that allows them to reach great heights in
their fields.
Your job is a wonderful
opportunity to learn something new every day. The knowledge
you gain can be directly related to your responsibilities in the workplace, or
it might be a new set of soft skills.
Whatever it is, it will
help you stand out.
Challenges are meant to
change us and make us better versions of ourselves. When we encounter challenges,
our resilience and resourcefulness are tested.
Ultimately, overcoming
challenges makes us stronger. It’s good to be reminded of this whenever we’re
faced with difficulties at work.
Believe that you can
overcome obstacles that come your way. You need to trust in your abilities to work
through these challenges.
More importantly, if you
are currently feeling overwhelmed, it is a good idea to ask for help. No one
will think you are weak for doing so.
Instead of focusing on
what you lack in life, try to direct your attention to things that you already
have. You will soon realize that there may be a lot of things that you have
taken for granted.
This thought allows you
to zero in on things that matter.
Many of us have an
uneasy relationship with money. Often, we don’t know how to manage our funds.
You can use this
positive thought to improve your money habits and develop a more positive relationship with
the money that you have.
Some people operate with a scarcity mindset. They feel cheated when they learn of other people’s success, and constantly compare themselves with others.
If you have a tendency
toward a scarcity mindset, you can counter it with this affirming thought.
Choose to believe that your needs will be taken care of.
If you are operating
through a scarcity mindset, you will feel that you never have enough, no matter
how wealthy you are.
To experience true
prosperity, you should visualize yourself receiving prosperity. This way, you
open yourself to the other benefits of true wealth: generosity and joy.
If you are feeling
restricted in your life, you can tap into real prosperity with this thought.
Believe that all your day-to-day needs are being met.
If you want, you can
write this thought down and place it in a prominent spot so you are constantly
reminded that you need never experience scarcity in any form.
Whether you’re aiming to
pay off your credit card bill, preparing for retirement, or saving up for a
house, having financial goals helps you build your wealth faster.
This thought reminds you
to be mindful of your money habits. It encourages you to make sound decisions
on how to spend and invest your hard-earned money.
Financial experts
suggest that we should not rely on our salaries, but instead find ways to add
to our personal income. May this thought encourage you to be resourceful in
looking for ways to earn additional income.
In order to attract prosperity,
you need to get rid of your scarcity mindset. Instead, believe that abundance
is already flowing in your life.
Realize
that if you are healthy and you can look forward to what tomorrow may bring,
then you have everything you need in life. Believe in yourself. Never give up
in times of challenges, and believe that everything you need will be provided.
Let the Law of
Attraction work to bring abundance into your life. One way of doing this is by
living a life filled with gratitude for every experience you have.
To document your journey to grateful living, we suggest you keeping a gratitude journal for your daily positive thoughts.
There will be days when
you feel that you could have done more with the 24 hours given to you. Some
days, you’ll experience frustration at things that don’t go your way.
Nevertheless, if you’ve
done the best you could with the opportunity presented to you, you can rest
easy at the end of the day. Tomorrow is a chance to do better. Let today’s
lessons sink in. Allow today’s frustrations to melt away with this affirming
thought.
There’s no need to fret
about things that were out of your control today. What’s important is that you
did the best that you could.
Mindfulness helps us achieve inner peace, and being
present lowers your stress levels. It takes your mind away from overthinking
and rumination, promotes better immunity, and improves memory.
To reap all these benefits, you can begin by declaring your intention to be at peace, regardless of what goes on around you. Think daily positive thoughts.
This thought is another
way to achieve inner peace. When you declare that all is well in your life, you
are attracting situations, relationships, and experiences that validate this thought.
Each day brings us
learning experiences. When we embrace these experiences, they help us grow. And
growth is the point of all this. Don’t pass up the opportunity to learn from
your daily encounters.
We can’t emphasize this
enough: You have something unique to
offer the world.
Live with intention.
Infuse your day-to-day interactions with sincerity.
Even though you are not
aware of it, you’re making an impact on someone else’s life.
When faced with uncertainty,
we tend to focus on the negative. We become more stressed out, and we are prone
to making unwise decisions.
To counter this, you might want to list at least a couple of things that excite and motivate you to get up in the morning. Work on these things and give them attention.
You’ll likely feel invigorated for the entire day because you have a sense of purpose. Take time to think of these actions and start your day with some daily positive thoughts.
Everyone who becomes a
part of your life gives you a gift. Be grateful to all of these people for
enriching your life.
Travel unencumbered. Let
go of past hurts and resentments. Choose to move forward, ready to meet what
life has in store.
The greatest thing we
can do in this world is to love others and ourselves. It is an important commitment
that will help us cope with whatever challenges we face.
Use this thought as a
reassuring conclusion at the close of the day.
We all
want to be happier and live a more rewarding life. But sometimes it’s hard to
remember the important things in life when we’re faced with the challenges and
pressures of everyday existence.
Nevertheless,
positivity has a host of benefits, especially for your health. Studies show
that positive thinking can actually give you a longer lifespan. And the
more you focus on the positive aspects of your experiences and think in
positive terms, the faster you will manifest the things you want in your life.
To
experience for yourself the effects of positivity in your life, how about
taking a 30-day challenge where you think predominantly positive thoughts?
I actually
tried this habit for 30 days. Here’s what I did:
This was a
very simple exercise, but oddly enough it has become my favorite habit I’ve
developed this year.
Whether you’re in the
midst of a crisis or things are going just fine, having positive thoughts is
beneficial for your health and well-being. This helps you increase your ability
to cope with crisis when it arises, whether it’s a personal one or something
that affects the entire world.
In order to reap the
benefits of a positive mindset, it is necessary to believe that your thoughts
work to manifest what you want in life.
You also need to develop the habit of thinking in positive terms. Try to take time for daily positive thoughts every day. Perhaps what you can do is set aside a certain time each day to contemplate the things you are most thankful for. An easy way to do this is writing in a gratitude journal.
It is only when we dwell on positivity that we move closer to true
happiness and peace of mind.
You might want to check out the following resources on the topic of positivity:
Finally, if you want the perfect morning routine, then check out this seven-step process for creating a morning routine that will become a vital part of your daily life.)
S.J. Scott
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I was just a child when I was told that nobody could ever make it in my family, that we are born poor. I was also told that in the history of my family poverty is in our linage but as a young girl with a vision, I decided to take a step forward.
My classmates mock and make fun of me even to the extent of clapping for me. My mom will say to me, Blessing I have told you that we are poor, don’t hang with the rich. With tears running down I said to my mom, I was born poor but I refuse to be poor forever.
That was how our destiny was changed. The situation you are in is not the end of your life. People may be telling you today that nothing good comes, from your family, that’s poverty is in your blood you are born with it so live with it is an error, overcoming the challenge is one of the elements of positive thinking and a positive mindset. Don’t allow the condition of your family to affect your life and purpose in life, you overcoming the challenges is basically the key thing. You must be focused to reach your destination.
My mom made me feel limited, but I remained focused. Do you know why? Because I had a dream that was the change in the condition of my family member. In school, my teacher loved me because I was very smart and funny too but I had no friends.
My classmates don’t like me, the reason being that I was poor and nothing good could come out from my family… But I think keeps me going that I will make it in life the fact that my mom and dad were poor does not make me poor except I decided to remain poor. I must break the limit, I must be strong, put God first in all I do.
You are the master of your own destiny, don’t allow others to be the judge of your life, me being hopeful that one day I will make it in life is a positive mindset on getting your goal you must be smart and also have self-confident believe in yourself and don’t be a disconnect with your vision a master of your own destiny don’t allow people take advantage of your stay focus listing to people who are older than you in age because they know more than you.
Your ability to take action in the fulfillment of your destiny. You are smart, don’t look down on yourself. You are beautiful just the way you are. Have a positive response to things happening around you, see it’s as a step forward to your destination and mind the way you think. Always say positive things to yourself, always believe that you can do it. Don’t limit yourself… You are the master of your own destiny always have that at the back of your mind. Believe in yourself.
Being focus is very important regardless of the situation…or condition life gives.
Iberike blessing is a student from Nigeria.
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The call for change has never been more resounding in a world of challenges and uncertainties. From technological advancements to environmental concerns, the trajectory of our planet and its people hinges upon our actions today. As an entrepreneur with a vision for change, you have the unique opportunity to uplift society and become the beacon of motivation that guides us all towards a brighter tomorrow.
Positive psychology is more than just a buzzword; it’s a guiding philosophy that enables individuals to harness their inner strength and create meaningful change. Rooted in the belief that focusing on strengths and cultivating positive emotions can lead to greater well-being and success, positive psychology lays the foundation for personal and societal transformation.
Imagine a world where everyone starts their day with gratitude, embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and extends kindness without hesitation. Adopting these principles can ignite a ripple effect that spreads far beyond your immediate circle. Your actions can inspire others to shift their perspectives, sparking a chain reaction of positivity that transcends borders and cultures.
Related: Why Embracing a Positive Psychology Will Ignite Success in Your Business
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” These words hold an eternal truth that underscores the transformative power of personal example. To become a motivational force that shapes a better world, you must first embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Start by identifying your core values and passions. What issues ignite a fire within you? Whether it’s education, promoting environmental sustainability or advocating for societal well-being, discovering your purpose will provide your endeavors with clear direction and profound resonance. Embrace continuous learning and development, as honing your skills and knowledge will empower you to drive meaningful change.
Related: Why You Must Really Know Yourself Before Starting a Business
Entrepreneurs possess a unique combination of vision, innovation and determination. This potent blend of qualities equips you to thrive in the business world and catalyze societal change on a global scale. Your entrepreneurial ventures can drive positive impact, channeling resources and creativity toward solutions that address pressing issues.
As you build your brand as a motivational author, remember that your journey is intrinsically tied to the stories you tell. Share your successes and setbacks, your moments of inspiration and moments of doubt. Authenticity breeds connection, and by baring your soul, you invite others to resonate with your experiences and join you on your journey toward transformation.
The path to worldwide transformation cannot be tread alone. Collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations is pivotal to amplifying your impact. You tap into a wellspring of shared knowledge, resources, and inspiration by forming alliances with fellow change-makers.
Reach out to other entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and community organizers who align with your vision. Collaborative efforts exponentially magnify your influence and allow you to tackle complex challenges that may be insurmountable on your own. Together, you can create initiatives that transcend borders and boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Your journey as a motivational author and entrepreneur isn’t just about the immediate impact you make; it’s about the legacy you leave behind. The seeds of positive change you plant today will blossom into a world where inspiration is the norm, where individuals are empowered to dream big and pursue their passions fearlessly.
As your influence grows, your platform will become a vessel for nurturing and uplifting the next generation of change-makers. By mentoring and providing guidance to emerging entrepreneurs, you can ensure that the flame of positive transformation continues to burn brightly long after your time in the spotlight.
Related: 8 Tiny Changes to Make Your Life 10 Times More Enjoyable
The world yearns for leaders who embody the change they wish to see. By embracing the principles of positive psychology, becoming an entrepreneurial force, and forging powerful collaborations, you are poised to be that leader. Your journey toward becoming a famous author specializing in motivation is not just about personal success; it’s about shaping a world where positivity, innovation and empathy reign supreme.
Now, more than ever, the world needs individuals willing to step up, inspire and drive change. Your potential is limitless, and the impact you can make transcends boundaries. As you take each step on this transformative path, remember that you are not just shaping your destiny but the destiny of a world that eagerly awaits the light you bring.
The time for change is now. Embrace it. Live it. Be the catalyst of a brighter future.
Brian H. Robb
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In entrepreneurship, success and wealth are often seen as the ultimate markers of achievement. However, it is essential to recognize that true success is not merely measured by monetary gains but by a profound sense of fulfillment and well-being.
Positive psychology, a transformative approach to personal and professional growth, holds the key to unlocking your full potential and creating a life of abundance. In this article, we will explore how positive psychology can guide you on your journey to wealth and success, empowering you to build a prosperous business and a life of happiness and meaning.
Related: Unlocking Financial Abundance: How Positive Psychology Can Make You a Multimillionaire
Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive mindset as the foundation for success. Your thoughts shape your reality, and by embracing a positive outlook, you can overcome challenges, maintain resilience and attract abundance into your life. Research has shown that individuals with a positive mindset are more likely to take risks, persevere in adversity and ultimately achieve their goals.
Cultivate optimism by focusing on positive affirmations, practicing mindfulness and reframing negative thoughts into opportunities for growth. Practice gratitude daily, as it enhances your well-being and helps you recognize the abundance that already exists in your life. Remember, wealth and success begin in the mind.
Related: What Every Entrepreneur Can Gain From Mindfulness
Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs. To thrive in this ever-changing landscape, embracing growth and cultivating resilience is crucial. Successful entrepreneurs understand that setbacks and failures are not permanent roadblocks but valuable stepping stones on the path to success.
Embrace a growth mindset, which is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. See setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, and approach them with curiosity and a willingness to adapt. Foster a resilient spirit by building a support network, seeking mentorship and practicing self-care. Resilience is the key to navigating challenges, bouncing back stronger and ultimately achieving lasting success.
Emotional intelligence is a critical factor in building successful businesses and meaningful relationships. It involves understanding and managing your own emotions effectively, as well as empathizing with others. By cultivating emotional intelligence, you can foster strong connections, inspire trust and lead with compassion.
Successful entrepreneurs recognize the importance of self-awareness, which involves understanding your strengths, weaknesses and triggers. By understanding yourself better, you can make more informed decisions, handle stress effectively and build authentic relationships with employees, customers and partners.
Additionally, empathy allows you to understand the needs and perspectives of others, fostering better communication, collaboration and teamwork. Emotional intelligence not only enhances your personal well-being but also contributes to building a positive and supportive work environment.
Aligning your entrepreneurial journey with a larger purpose catalyzes extraordinary success. When you are driven by a mission that goes beyond mere profit, you tap into a wellspring of motivation and fulfillment. Start by defining your values and understanding the impact you want to make in the world. What problem are you passionate about solving? How can your skills and expertise contribute to positive change?
You can create a business that serves the greater good and provides a sense of purpose by answering these questions. When your work is aligned with your values and drive, you are more likely to stay committed, persevere through challenges and attract like-minded individuals who share your vision. Your purpose-driven business becomes a vehicle for making a positive impact on society, and as a result, financial success becomes a natural byproduct.
Related: 9 Tips for Finding Your Life Purpose
Building a successful business requires collaboration and networking. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers and industry experts who can guide and inspire you on your path. Collaborating with others not only expands your knowledge and resources but also opens doors to new opportunities.
Actively seek out networking events, conferences and communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals and potential business partners. Be open to sharing your knowledge and experiences and learning from others. Collaboration breeds innovation and accelerates your path to success. Remember that true success is not achieved alone but through the collective efforts of a supportive network.
Related: Effective Networking Requires Mastering These 5 Skills
Gratitude is the ultimate magnet for abundance. In the pursuit of wealth and success, it is easy to get caught up in the cycle of always striving for more. However, practicing gratitude allows you to recognize and appreciate the progress you have made, the lessons learned and the people who have supported you along the way. By focusing on gratitude, you shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, opening yourself up to limitless possibilities. Gratitude helps you maintain a positive outlook, enhances your overall well-being and attracts more positive experiences into your life. Embrace an abundance mentality, recognizing that there is enough success and wealth for everyone. When you cultivate gratitude and abundance, you attract wealth and success effortlessly.
Positive psychology is a transformative approach that empowers entrepreneurs to create extraordinary lives of wealth, success and fulfillment. With the power of positive psychology, you can unleash your entrepreneurial potential and build a life of abundance and success.
Brian H. Robb
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It’s hard not to find yourself chronically overthinking. We worry about our health, our finances and our future. We can easily slide down the slippery slope of trying to deliberate ourselves into a better situation.
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But according to clinical psychologist Helen Odessky, that couldn’t be more counterproductive. As she told the Headspace blog:
Aytekin Tank
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Thanksgiving is the holiday where we are encouraged to be thankful for the good things in our lives — health, safety, adequate food, clothing and shelter, plus all the material blessings we have. For most people, Thanksgiving is usually more of a personally-focused celebration, including sharing meals and time with family and friends.
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But the Thanksgiving holiday season can also be an opportunity to focus on, and be reminded of, the positive aspects of our work lives. This is especially true in these more difficult economic times, where many who desire employment are unable to find work or have to settle for a job beneath their professional capabilities.
Paul White
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Do you ever think to yourself, “My situation has always been the same — I’m stuck, and I just need to play the cards I’m dealt with”? If you have done this, you are dragging yourself down with a fixed mindset. Alternatively, a growth mindset means that you prosper despite challenges and obstacles because you see them as catalysts for change and don’t see failure as a way to describe yourself.
Events or actions that don’t work out as intended or desired are learning experiences, ways to grow in every facet of your life and a way to further develop your abilities. Your intelligence, talents and, most importantly, wisdom require setbacks to stimulate fundamental transformation and growth.
We’re all familiar with the saying, “No pain, no gain.” However, Arnold Schwarzenegger took that comparison to a new level when he likened the pain of training with the feelings that arise from sex. What if we look at life’s pain and difficulties as training to help us improve, with all outcomes as positive? We’d embrace the pain as today’s challenge and remember the feeling we have when they are surmounted. We wouldn’t be discouraged or give up when faced with problems; we would expect obstacles and challenges as normal.
Why not give up? Because anything is possible with the right mindset, determination and action. Earlier in his career, Arnold struggled with getting work because of his thick accent. His voice was replaced with a voiceover in one of his first movies, “Hercules in New York“! He could have been discouraged and given up on his acting career. Instead, he took voice coaching lessons and got better, became famous and successful and extended that success to almost every aspect of his life.
Related: Want To Succeed? Turn Your Fixed Mindset into a Growth Mindset
Sometimes when people are unhappy with their situation in life, they believe changing their location will improve things. Perhaps they say, “If I lived here and not there, everything would be ok.” However, they often find that their original problems, difficulties and challenges have moved with them after relocating. If they have a fixed mindset before relocating and have one after, they may be happy for a short while, but soon the reality of the struggles in their mind will return. Regardless of circumstance, a growth mindset trumps all.
Have you ever been stuck alone in an isolated location for a long time? I know someone who grew significant skill sets, lost 70 pounds, reclaimed good health and built two startups while dealing with a location challenge; they were alone for almost a year during the Covid-19 pandemic. For them, the “pain” of solitude was ultimately a gift, and they used it wisely.
The key to real change is commonly elusive: changing your mindset, being happy with everything you already have and being grateful to wake up to another day. Sound simple? Often it is not. When several challenges arise, it is human nature to feel overwhelmed. After a while, we can feel like boxers in a boxing match, taking one blow after another, especially if we get caught up in the negativity and sensationalism that is often pervasive in the news. It can have us thinking the next blow is around the corner.
Related: 5 Ways To Maintain A Positive Mindset (No Matter What Challenge You’re Facing)
Instead, we need to fight these thoughts and emotions daily and assume and wish that the next thing that will happen to us will be positive. Being surprised and delighted when something nice happens, and treating it like something undeserved, will completely change our life. When internalized, chased daily and pursued during critical periods of meditation and reflection, such positive thinking will change outcomes for us. It is essential to make time for ourselves for this kind of reset.
For example, if we change our minds to be in a growth mindset before the day starts, as needed during the day, and at night before bed, we’ll live a far better life. This takes energy and focus but is more than worth it. Living, talking and breathing positivity “out” will draw positivity into your life, attracting beneficial opportunities and outcomes often dismissed as impossible. Our thoughts become actions, our actions become impacts, and others will notice and be positively impacted. A kind word or thought that is genuine and can naturally emerge from this energy will also open new doors for us. The constant process of fighting to be positive can make radical differences in “what happens” to us. Instead, we are driving change instead of it driving us, and for the better.
Very often, people think that money will solve all their problems. However, having a lot of money will only last so long if they have the wrong mindset. For example, many professional athletes — often highly paid — are bankrupt five years after retiring.
Without the right mindset — for example, to focus on being an investor and not a consumer — you will always have problems with money. A growth mindset will direct your thoughts and actions to “how can I grow my money, invest, learn from mistakes, and get better at it?” Conversely, a fixed mindset may lead to an unwillingness to exercise deferred gratification, that “while we have it, we’ll spend it.”
Related: 4 Ways to Maintain a Positive Attitude Even When You’re Stressed
A growth mindset will allow the purchase of luxuries later, with profits from investment rather than salary. Given that a growth mindset and an investor mindset are tightly coupled, it further demonstrates Mark Cuban’s advice, “live like a college student.” Such an approach can lead to lasting success.
Great thoughts lead to real action, and positive action will eventually lead to positive results. Staying positive relentlessly and remaining in a growth mindset is the key to lasting success. Such a perspective will help us clear out thoughts of feeling like a victim, and instead, we will see all the obstacles we overcome as another chance at victory, and thus we will become the victor.
Armand Peri
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