8 Ways of Positive Thinking

+ 8 ways you can shift negative into positive

Nadeem Al-Hasan

Oct 01, 2022

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I’m SO excited to begin writing about the 8 Forms of Positive Thinking.

If you’re new here, for the past five weeks, we covered 5 Forms of Mental Chaos. You can catch up here, but not required.

Ok! Let’s begin 🤓

First, let’s just acknowledge that we all have negative thoughts from time to time and that it’s human nature to do so.

Nobody is exempt.

But what if we could transform those negative thoughts into positive ones?

It might not be as difficult as you think.

In the following weeks, we will discuss 8 Forms of Positive Thinking to radically transform your negative thoughts into sustainable, long-lasting posting thinking.

8 Forms of Positive Thinking:

Shifting negative into positive
Challenging pessimistic thoughts
Highlighting positive aspects of any situation
The significance of practicing positive thinking
Breaking down a problem with first principle thinking
Creating positive beliefs about each element of the problem
Generating positive feelings by controlling negative thoughts
Stimulating positive feelings through mental self-control of negativity

“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.” ~ Seneca~

This week will be covering: Shifting negative into positive.

Here are a few tips for transforming negative thoughts into positive ones.

Shifting Negative Into Positive

1. Identify the type of thought.

There are different types of negative thoughts, each requiring a different approach to be dealt with effectively.

For example, there are worry thoughts based on things that could happen in the future but haven't happened yet.

There are also regretful thoughts, which focus on things that have already happened and can't be changed.

Once you've identified the type of thought you're having, you can start to work on changing it into a positive one.

2. Reframe the thought.

This is where you take the negative thought and change it into a positive one.

For example, if you're worried about failing an upcoming test, you could reframe the thought by telling yourself that you're prepared and will do your best.

If you're regretting something you did in the past, you could reframe the thought by reminding yourself that everyone makes mistakes and learn from them.

The great stoics called this “Reframing.”

Think of a verticle picture frame…that’s one perspective.

Now turn the verticle picture to the side (landscape)…you still see the same image but now have a new perspective.

3. Challenge the thought.

Once you've reframed the thought, it's important to challenge it to keep it from returning.

For example, if you're telling yourself that you're prepared for the test, ask yourself what evidence there is for that statement.

What have you done to prepare?

If there's no evidence to support the positive thought, then it's likely just a self-limiting belief masquerading as positive thinking.

Fooling yourself will not solve your negative thinking. But questioning your thoughts can bring insight into if they’re valid or not.

4. Don't believe everything you think.

Just because you have a negative thought doesn't mean it's true.

Our minds can play tricks on us, and sometimes our negative thoughts are nothing more than products of our imaginations.

So the first step to transforming negative thoughts is to question them.

Are they true?

Or are they just your mind playing tricks on you?

5. Put things in perspective.

Sometimes, the events that trigger our negative thoughts are minor inconveniences we've blown out of proportion.

90% off your concerns won’t ever happen.

If that's the case, try to put things in perspective and tell yourself that it's not a big deal.

It might not be easy, but it can help transform negative thoughts into more positive ones.

6. Focus on the good.

When you're feeling down, it can be hard to see the good in things.

In fact, it’s the hardest…

This is why sharing what you’re feeling, either by putting pen to paper or speaking to someone, can tremendously affect your mental health.

If speaking with someone, be straightforward and say, “Hey, I just need a soundboard right now,” or if you want feedback/advice, then say so by sayings something like, “what are your thoughts on that?

Taking a step back and focusing on the positive aspects of your life can help shift your mindset from negative to positive.

Think about things like your loved ones, hobbies, or accomplishments.

Write them down, and list as many things you are proud of as possible.

Anything that makes you feel good about yourself and your life.

Reflect on these often and be proud of yourself for everything you’ve done.

7. Be grateful.

A little bit of gratitude can go a long way in transforming negative thoughts into positive ones.

When feeling down, try to think of things you're thankful for, no matter how small they may seem.

Focusing on the good things in your life can help shift your mindset from negative to positive.

I will always drive this point home. We often discredit the power of gratitude, yet it’s one of the most accessible tools we have.

8. Affirmations aren’t enough. Take action.

Lastly, if you're feeling stuck in a rut of negative thinking, sometimes the best thing you can do is take action.

Do something.

ANYTHING that will make you feel better.

Go for a walk. Seriously underestimated how well this works 🚶‍♂️

Call a friend, or even tidy up your living space.

Taking action can help break the cycle of negative thinking and give you a boost of positivity.

TL;DR (too long didn’t read)

Here are 8 ways to shift negative thinking into positive thinking.

Identify the type of thought
Reframe the thought
Challenge the thought
Don't believe everything you think
Put things in perspective
Focus on the good
Be grateful
Affirmations aren’t enough. Take action.

Conclusion

Negative thoughts are normal and happen to everyone, but there are ways to transform them into positive ones. By questioning your negative thoughts, putting things in perspective, focusing on the good, being grateful, and taking action, you can shift your mindset from negative to positive.

Final Thoughts

May you go about your week full of grace.

May your conversations with yourself and with others be humble.

Open your eyes, lift your head, and you will see the miracles all around you.

It would mean the world to me If you shared this with someone you know that may benefit, or even better if you copied this letter link and put it in your Instagram story or Facebook feed!