Purposeful Growth

Positive psychology studies indicate a positive attitude, along with an optimistic outlook and positive thinking, can bring better health and greater happiness.

Positive attitude, positive thinking, and optimism are now known to be a root cause of many positive life benefits–the good life and well being. You’ll live longer and be healthier and happier with a positive attitude toward life. In addition, you’re

more likely to be successful. Learn to use the power of thinking positive, adopting positive attitudes, and affirmations to gain important life benefits.

What is Attitude?:

Attitude is a mental position relative to a way of thinking or being; a leaning toward that which you believe. A positive attitude is, therefore, the inclination to generally be in an optimistic, hopeful state of mind.

Psychology Studies Reveal:

A positive attitude and optimistic thinking early in life predict health and well being in later years. Analysis of 99 Harvard graduates found a strong correlation between their optimistic thinking as college students and good health at age 40 and above.

In his ground-breaking book, A Primer in Positive Psychology, Christopher Petersen, PhD, says, “…optimism has demonstrable benefits, and pessimism has drawbacks.” He goes on to say, “…optimism…has been linked to positive mood and good morale; to perseverance and effective problem solving; to academic, athletic, military, occupational, and political success; to popularity; to good health; and even to long life and freedom from trauma.”

Even if you have been a pessimistic, negative thinker for many years, it’s not too late to change your way of thinking and reap the benefits of a positive attitude.

Characteristics of a Positive Attitude and Optimism:

Optimists believe they are accountable for good things and that good things will generally come their way. If something bad comes instead, optimists tend to write it off as an isolated incident, an anomaly, or something out of their control; optimists believe things will be better in the future.

Positive Thinking Takes Practice:

If you’re a person whose first thoughts about the meaning of something that’s happened are negative thoughts, be encouraged by the knowledge that the first step toward a positive attitude and positive thinking is to simply think another thought. Thoughts are under your control. Your pessimistic way of thinking is habit; habits can be changed.

• When you catch yourself thinking a pessimistic thought about an event in your life, first evaluate the evidence. What are the facts–not the fears–but the facts?
• Next, think of alternate explanations and future outcomes. When your old car suddenly makes a strange noise you may jump to the pessimistic conclusion that repair will be costly, but maybe a minor repair will solve the problem.
• Remind yourself to follow this approach with a daily affirmation such as this: When I have a negative thought I immediately evaluate the facts and think of positive alternatives that also fit the facts.

Practice the positive thinking approach outlined above and you’ll find it soon comes naturally. You may be amazed to realize that you simply feel better with a positive attitude.

Learn to use positive affirmations to reinforce your attitude. Instructions for powerful positive affirmations are here.

Using your unique core strengths is always a positive experience.

If you like this article you may also like How to Cheer Up.

More related material here.

This article first appeared in the Personal Development Topic at Suite101.com.

Unique Mother’s Day gift ideas for moms who deserve more than flowers.

If your usual Mother’s Day gift comes from a card or flower shop and you’re looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift idea, consider a

personalized greeting right from the heart. If your mother is special and deserves better than a dozen roses and a commercial card, give her a personal gift of unconditional love.

Gratitude, a Unique Mother’s Day Gift

Being a mother, though a natural biological function, is a very difficult, energy-consuming responsibility. A human child is helpless, unable to survive without near-constant care. Any parent knows this full well, but adults may forget that mothers are the ones likely to have provided most of their early childhood care.

Mother’s Day is an excellent opportunity to express your gratitude with a unique gift idea for mom.