Your strongest muscle & worst enemy is your mind. Train it well.
Challenge
Now is the time to put those negative thoughts to the test. Ask yourself, “Is there actually evidence for this thought? And is there perhaps another, more positive way to look at this situation?” Often those negative thoughts are based on nonsense and exaggerations. It’s time to expose them and show them they have no power over you! So, when you catch yourself thinking, “I will never succeed in this project,” give yourself a kick in the butt and say, “Wait a minute, I am much stronger and more capable than I think. I can do this!”
The power of positive thoughts
Now that we’ve dealt with those negative thoughts, it’s time to let the positivity in. Take those old, negative thoughts and replace them with happy and motivating ones. If you think, “I’m such a klutz,” change that to: “I sometimes make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean I can’t grow and learn.” Repeat these new positive thoughts regularly and feel how they boost your energy and self-confidence!
Use affirmations
Affirmations are great! They are powerful phrases that you can say to yourself over and over again to give your thoughts a big boost. Choose a few beautiful affirmations that fit what you are striving for in life. Think of phrases like, “I am strong, courageous and confident” or “I attract positive opportunities like a magnet.” Repeat these affirmations every day, preferably in front of the mirror, and believe in them as if they were the truth. When repeating positive affirmations, we stimulate neural pathways in our brains, forming new connections and increasing activity in areas related to self-confidence and positive emotions. Neural pathways are like roads in your brain that transmit signals from one place to another. Each time you repeat positive affirmations, these pathways become stronger and form new connections that help you reinforce positive thoughts and feelings.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a great technique for increasing awareness and observing automatic thoughts without going directly into them. By doing regular mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or meditation, you can learn to let thoughts come and go without reacting to them. This helps you distance yourself from negative automatic thoughts and develop a more objective and calm mind.
Conclusion
It has been proven that changing automatic thoughts and developing a positive mindset can have a powerful impact on our well-being and our lives in general. By becoming aware of our automatic thoughts, challenging them, replacing them with positive alternatives, using affirmations and practicing mindfulness, we can work step by step to transform our thought patterns and promote positive growth.
Keep in mind that this process takes time and patience. Be patient and kind to yourself as you work on developing a more positive mindset. It is also smart to ask for help if you want some extra guidance and encouragement during this change adventure. You are not alone!
If you find that you would like personal guidance in developing a positive mindset and overcoming automatic negative thoughts, consider hiring a life coach. A life coach can help you take concrete steps, set goals and support you in developing new thinking patterns that can positively impact your life.
I give you the power and tools to move forward!
Beacon of Balance can help create customized coaching programs that help you feel more comfortable in your own skin again, handle stress better and live in your own unique way. Feel free to contact us if you would like to spar about options. See you then!