Think Positive and Positive Things Will Happen
“Our life is what our thoughts make it,” wrote Dale Carnegie in his classic book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. “Our mental attitude is the X factor that determines our fate.”
I know that an attitude of worry is as impediment for many people. From anxiety and stress to the building of tension, worry will not only prevent you from enjoying life in the here and now, it will also take a heavy toll on your mind, your sanity, and your well-being.
Like Carnegie, I want you to realize that your peace of mind and your capacity to experience joy in life depend not on who you are or what you have, but on your mental outlook. Having a positive outlook will make your life experiences more enjoyable and this enjoyment is essential in determining whether or not you will reach your personal and professional goals.
More often than not, feelings of worry build from trying to control things you cannot control— you’re either dwelling on the past or in distress over the future, fretting about an impending deadline or the actions of other people. But worry is not caused by these external events; rather it is your reaction to these events where worry springs. While dealing with people, deadlines, and dilemmas are an inevitable part of our everyday lives, understanding that worry manifests from our interpretations of these events is the first step to silencing those negative thoughts so you can start living and begin to achieve your larger goals.
Learning to recognize the sources of worry in your life isn’t easy; it takes practice and is ultimately achieved through building good habits. And habits aren’t born overnight; they must be cultivated through daily practice. Daily practice begins by learning to live in what Carnegie dubs ‘day-tight compartments.’ It’s a matter of putting the blinders on the past and the future so that you can live right now, in the present. Below are a few tips that have helped me and countless others I know develop habits for living in day-tight compartments:
1. Make a daily checklist.
In order to deal with today’s business at hand, write down the tasks that you think you need to accomplish today. The act of writing a concrete list will ground you, help you feel that things are under control, and allow you to take concrete action.
2. Take one task at a time.
Clear your desk and workspace so that you only have the materials you need to work through the immediate task at hand. This will help you accomplish tasks in more efficiently and effectively, without cluttering your desk or your mind with physical emotional haywires.
3. Practice mindfulness
When you notice your thoughts drifting away from the task at hand and into your old ways of worry, tune into your breath. Focusing on the rhythm of your breath shifts your attention away from unnecessary thoughts and into the here and now.
You can change your thinking. Over time and with daily practice, cultivating a positive outlook can create a dramatic difference in your personal and professional life. It will boost your confidence and enhance your self-worth, and lead you on a journey towards a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.
Until next time. Think BIG and give THANKS.
