Positive thinking is important for your achievements. Many people underplay this important tool because they say, ‘why think positive when you have lost so many opportunities?’ or ‘can positive thinking change what had happened in the past?’. I agree with many positive thinking critics because most of their statements have tints of truth.

Before you continue reading this article I want you to spare a minute to think hard. Think of something very pursuant or a magnificent achievement that started with negative thinking. The answer is probably not many or none at all.

Think of the Electric bell, Telephone, Helicopter, Airplanes, or beautiful artwork like Mona Lisa, or Masterpiece novels like Harry potter. The Authors were able to achieve this because they had faith in their works despite much opposition they had. The Wright brothers, or many rejection letters that poured on Harry Potter’s table were not daunted. That is positive thinking. Positive thinking won’t change your past but will improve your future.

Here are few tips to change the quality of our lives with positive thinking:

1. Accepting what we can’t change

Many of us like dwelling on our past; failed marriages, lost opportunities, disappointments etc. Just like me, many of us have lost opportunities in the past. Will pondering on them drive us back to the past? NO. My friend this is not science fiction. Since we can only dwell on our past and we can’t change it, why can’t we plan for our future?  

I want you to take this short exercise before the next step. I want you to write down everything that is bad about your past, but instead of pondering on them, look at them very well for the last time cancel them so that you can’t see them again, and write down your future plans on the next page.

“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.” – George S. Patton

2. Stop blaming external factors

Some people like to blame external factors for their woes. Some will say ‘if not because the economy is bad, I will start a business’ or, ‘I would love to write a book, but I’m too busy’ The human skin is always ruined to make excuses. Many of the people we mentioned at the beginning had excuses.

Wright brothers would have blamed discouragement for their woes. J.K. Rowling would have blamed her woes on bad luck but they kept on pushing until they had what they were looking for. If you want to get what you want today you won’t blame external factors on your woes.

3. The power of determination

Determination is one of the most important tools to achievement in life. One of the best books, ‘Think and Grow Rich’, stressed the importance of determination. One of my favorite quotes is  “if you really want it you’ll get it.” The reason you’re not pushing towards your goal is because it’s not really important to you. If it’s important to you, you’ll get it.

4. Stop spending time with negative thinkers

You might have observed that many people who failed to overcome an obstacle are used to bad stories. A woman who is divorced can tell you how bad men are for the next twenty four hours. Stop associating with negative thinkers. Instead of floundering around with negative thinkers find mentors. Mentors are people who already made it to where you are wanting to be. My mentors are Benjamin Franklin and Leonardo Da Vinci. Thinking and reading about them keeps me away from negative thinkers.

5. Stop dwelling on the bad side of life

Some people read news, and every time they read they become afraid-as if the bad thing in this life is happening to them. Especially these days that the media doesn’t have any good news to offer. I’m not saying we should not have sympathy, but we should not spend a whole day on the bad side of life. It is interesting to know that for every bad thing many good things are also happening.

6. Shun fear

Fear, as many used to define it as FALSE Expression Appearing Real is killing dreams. Fear of the future, fear of anything can kill your dreams. Some people have set limitations because of fear. I wonder why some people will read a book and say ‘I wish I can write a book but I can’t be as good as this author’. Many people use to immortalize top achievers as if they’re not human beings. I want you to mention a top performer in any field that fell down from Mars. You may not find one. Since they are humans like us, we can soar even higher than them.

“If you want to conquer fear, don’t sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” – Dale Carnegie

7. Positive thinking without action is nothing

Thinking about plans and a glorious future without action is daydreaming and it is NEGATIVE thinking. POSITIVE thinking should always be followed by action. If you want to write that book, start writing the first chapter or synopsis of action. If you want to get help, go to necessary authorities. If you want to improve your marriage go and do it now. If you want to start a business, you can’t have a better time to start. Take action now for it is the most important thing to do.

Did positive thinking help you in any way in the past? Or, how are you planning to change your life with positive thinking? Please comment below!

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com