Unlike popular belief, positive thinking isn’t part of your biological makeup. It’s almost wholly nurture. Positive thinking takes practice and requires you to have a certain thought process or attitude.
Here’s why you should make positive thinking an important aspect of your personal growth. People with positive-thinking mindsets tend to find solutions to complex problems and daily challenges much easier than negative thinkers. This is because they already have a mindset or attitude that is tuned to the EXPECTATION of success.
In short, a person with a positive thinking mindset tends to believe and inherently trust that no matter what, things will definitely work in their favor.
So how do you put on that positive thinking cap? Like mentioned earlier — it takes practice. Positive thinking mindsets take daily work and regular application.
One popular and highly effective method of practice is by using positive affirmations.
Positive affirmations are one-line, positive declarations of an intention or condition for a desirable outlook and successful outcome. Positive thinkers are visionary. As such, positive affirmations need to emulate that and focus on the end goal. They need to be something you desire to manifest. In spite of that, that does not mean that your affirmations should be recited in the future tense. Saying it in the present produces the energy you need FOR the future and for your success.
Here are 5 positive affirmation practice techniques that you can implement daily.
1. The Mirror Technique. This particular method is highly effective for positive affirmations for self-appreciation. Stand before your mirror and observe yourself, your body, your face. As you’re doing so, smile and declare to yourself how AWESOME you are. Daily practice of this can help you build a very positive self-image!
2. The Writing Technique. This one is very clear-cut. Simply sit down and write what you want to see in your life — happiness, success, freedom, etc — daily. You can write them down every morning and while doing so, concentrate and meditate on each affirmation closely. Focus all your energy on one statement at a time.
3. The Post-It Technique. A fun and creative spin on the writing technique can be added by using post-its. Pen each affirmation in bold, dark ink on post-its and place them in places where you are most likely to see them. This is one surefire effective way of giving yourself positive messages throughout the day, or even while you’re conducting mundane daily tasks. This technique is popular as a reinforcer, but can be highly effective on its own.
4. The Work Out Technique. This method is very effective for active people who enjoy exercise a daily routine. Repeating your daily positive affirmations while doing your sit ups, chin ups or push ups are fun and fulfilling! Because exercising is already a part of your routine, this increases the chances of you actually remembering to recite your positive affirmations daily. Lastly, this technique is particularly effective for health-related affirmations!
5. The Smiley Technique. Did you know that your actions AFFECT your emotions? It’s not just a one-way route. Smiling while reciting positive affirmation can bring forth immediate positive feelings. With time, these affirmations are reinforced by their associations to positive thought processes and emotions!
Positive thinking takes practice and while it might not be easy initially, is worth the effort. Over time, positive thinking becomes an automated process and this is what daily positive affirmations can help you achieve! Too often, people don’t make positive thinking a priority in personal growth. Don’t fall into that trap! Start writing down those positive affirmations this instant!