In this world filled with challenges and uncertainties, positive thinking isnāt about ignoring reality. Itās a conscious choice to focus on the good, to see opportunity in difficulty and to believe in the power of positive thoughts to shape outcomes. In this blog Iāll try to explore the power of positive thinking, get a better understanding of why it could matter and how it could help in our daily lives.
Being positive is an attitude. Itās being able to focus on the bright side of life and be grounded in self belief, gratitude and the ability to reframe negative thoughts. Iām sure that some people are biologically wired to be naturally positive. I am convinced that traits, like optimism, resilience and extroversion are genetic. Apparently, if you are born with a certain variation of the serotonin transporter gene, you are able to regulate your emotions more effectively. Naturally youāll be more upbeat. So, like height or eye colour, a tendency towards positivity can be inherited. I have met and admired people who always seem positive whatever life throws at them. Genetics could be the explanation.
A positive environment in childhood is another factor. Children raised in a nurturing, encouraging home may grow up with more confidence and emotional security. If taught that failure is part of learning, not defeat, optimism can become a default setting.
However, not all positive mental attitudes can be associated with DNA. Some naturally positive people didnāt start out that way. They earned their positive mindset through adversity. Their motto becomes āif I made it through that, I can make it through anythingā! So resilience can often fuel positivity, not the other way around.
Being positive can also become a habit. Positive people tend to keep their moods high. They gravitate towards uplifting people, exercise regularly, which boosts endorphins, sleep well and reduce exposure to toxic media. It can be seen as good mental hygiene.
As with all things in life, balance is so important. A positive person can still feel sad, anxious or stressed. It just means that they lean towards a positive outcome and find solutions or workarounds quicker than a negative one.
In my humble opinion, being positive isnāt about pretending that everything is perfect. Itās the ability to focus on what can be controlled. It needs a mindset that encourages personal growth, resilience and hope. So, a pro-active, positive mindset is the all important requirement in responding to challenges, connecting with others and controlling our daily lives. This would create a longer term benefit, resulting in a more fulfilling, happy future. Sounds so simple, like flicking on a light switch.
Alas, creating a positive mindset requires determination and a huge amount of effort. Itās like building muscles. Itās takes time and wonāt happen over night. If weāre not born with that all important serotonin transporter gene we have to develop it by changing the way we think, react and engage with the world and the people around us. It sounds so simple yet it would take courage and an unwavering desire to want to change the habits of a lifetime! Positive thinking definitely isnāt about fake smiles or ignoring reality. And itās definitely not for the faint hearted.
Change wonāt happen overnight but every small shift counts. Iām sure the more we practice, the more natural it will become. A positive mindset wonāt just be about how we think. It can shape our entire lives, one thought at a time. It wonāt guarantee an easy life but it could give us the strength to meet each challenge head on, with clarity and purpose. If we can replace doubt with optimism and fear with courage, we can rewrite our life stories. I am willing to give it a try. There is everything to gain and nothing to lose. Those are great odds! But, for me, it will take enormous effort and resilience because, alas, I wasnāt born with that all important positive gene! š
Jenny Burrell 