Positive thinking and self-talk are two of the most powerful self-resources.
Positive self-talk encourages you to think positively because when you reflect favorably about yourself and your abilities, you assess situations more favorably. This cultivates a positive (growth) mindset and greater optimism. Thus, you tend to see and seize more opportunities for yourself, and more confidently accept challenges that can enhance your quality of life. In general, you feel good.
Being Positive
What is Positive Thinking
Webmd offers a concise definition of positive thinking. It’s “… about looking at things from a positive point of view. Alternatively, it’s ” … the practice of focusing on the good in any situation.”
Positive Self-Talk Definition
Positive self-talk is the positive and encouraging thoughts you have about yourself and the tendency of your inner voice to be objective, compassionate, and optimistic rather than harsh and critical.
Of course, you’re bound to experience difficult times and challenging situations sometimes in your daily life. And, you need to acknowledge, process, and learn from so-called “negative” emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, and grief.
Painting a rosy picture at all times presents a false reality and can be detrimental.
The point of maintaining a positive mindset is to think positively when it’s authentic and appropriate. You can choose between positive and negative thoughts. When it’s safe and advantageous, you can speak supportively to yourself about yourself and have more positive thoughts about the situation.
It is possible to break negative thought patterns.
The Power of Positive Thinking
Research shows significant benefits to positive self-talk and thinking. The following list presents a sample of what’s possible.
12 Benefits of Positive Thinking and Self-Talk
- Improved mood and amiability;
- Stronger self-esteem, self-worth, self-confidence, and sense of self;
- Reduced fear, stress, depression, and anxiety when facing challenging decisions, tasks, and situations;
- More open and innovative thinking and problem-solving;
- Ability to set and maintain appropriate and self-supportive boundaries;
- Improved likelihood of surmounting challenging tasks and situations;
- More likely to see and embrace more opportunities and reap the benefits
- Ability to set higher goals, be more successful, and feel more capable and accomplished;
- Be more optimistic about your future;
- Experience greater satisfaction and fulfillment;
- Attain better physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health and well-being. This includes but is not limited to reduced stress and stress-related health issues; fewer colds and flu; less likely to contract and succumb to certain health risks and conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, digestive issues, and some cancers; and improved quality of sleep, and immune system functioning; and
- Have a quality of life and longer life span.
Personal Growth and Desired Change
Optimism and confidence derive from positive thinking and encouragement stems from positive self-talk. Both support personal growth and desired change.
In addition, when you focus on what you want rather than avoid what you don’t, and hone in on the doable options rather than constraints, you naturally create positive energy and resolve. This point of view is a more direct and impactful force for change than criticism (negative self-talk) and defeatism.
Building on your strengths, even the few you believe you have, works. Strengths can open to and create more strengths. It’s an empowering process.
How To Think Positive
Changing your mindset and how you think about yourself and your circumstances is a process. It’s like working out. It’s hard at first but over time it becomes habitual and easier.
12 Ways To Think More Positivity
1. Deliberately increase your positive self-talk
Use your inner voice to complement yourself and express gratitude and support. Always be realistic. When in doubt, opt for the benefit of the doubt and be more positive.
2. Use positive affirmation effectively
To be effective, affirmations must be relevant and believable. At any given time, seek what you can reasonably achieve. More importantly, practice being and living 
the expected outcome of your affirmations. Words alone do not create transformation. Crucially, embody and experience the anticipated result of your affirmations. Mere words cannot bring about change. Fully commit to your transformation to realize it.
3. Focus on solutions rather than constraints
4. Maintain a gratitude journal or book
Developing a regular daily practice reinforces the desired transformation of your inner voice. Each evening jot down three things you’re grateful for. These observations don’t need to be novel and big. Just be authentic. Read them in the morning to set a positive and encouraging tone for the new day.
5. Challenge negative thought patterns and your inner critic
Reframe the thoughts and, with curiosity and wonder consider the validity of these new thoughts.
6. Rewrite your stories
Use optimistic language and content to create a new story. Make yourself a hero. Then reflect on how and in which ways you can become this version of yourself.
7. Create and maintain authentic boundaries.
8. Change undesirable behaviors. Seek assistance to do so if necessary
9. Let go of negative, dysfunctional, and difficult relationships
10. Create more opportunities to experience fun, joy, curiosity, and awe
11. Do What You Can In the Moment
When you become overwhelmed with doubt or negativity, do one accessible thing to improve the situation no matter how small or seemingly insignificant you think it is. Then do another accessible thing. Small steps will accumulate and attune your body’s chemistry and mindset to greater possibilities and successes.
12. If needed, seek assistance from a coach, counselor, or therapist
Energy healing such as Integrated Energy Therapy and Reiki can also help clear negative energy, release what no longer serves you, clarify your best path, and energize your intentions.
You don’t need to do all twelve practices all at once. Start with those that appeal to you and work with them for a while. Then add another one. Remember that changing your mindset and how you see the world takes time. But, through time you’ll notice the change in you, and you’ll be rewarded with more and more the benefits of positive thinking and self-talk.
