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A Positive Mindset: The Route To Happiness

Everybody can be happy. 

All of us have experienced happiness. Yet, as we journey through life, we suffer negative experiences, prompting us to meander off course and lose sight of the lighthearted, carefree path we used to enjoy in our early days. 

Due to the omnipresence of social media in today’s society, it is easy to believe that everyone surrounding us is more together, less stressed and generally happier. Associates tweeting their latest promotion at work and friends staging smiling selfies may lead us to feel inferior because we are less happy.

Those that don’t indulge in whatever is currently trending are not exempt from sombre moods and anxiety. It is during these times that we may want to learn that happiness is formed within the mind. 

A part of the brain known as the limbic system is responsible for handling our emotional responses to outside stimuli. Whilst we do not have direct authority over the formation of emotions, we can control how we deal with them. This is known as response-ability

When we consider what leads to happiness, strong relationships, academic and professional success, and physical and mental wellness feature high up on the emotional scale. We must, therefore, find a way in which to manage our feelings, particularly the negative ones, which relate to these areas. 

Happiness can be achieved by changing your mindset.

 

What Is A Positive Mindset?

 

A positive mindset is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. It is important to distinguish between this chosen optimism and the avoidance of reality. Those with a positive mindset acknowledge bad situations but are able to perceive them in a different way, dealing with the associated challenges accordingly. 

A positive mindset governs all thinking and takes time and dedication to achieve. Relaxation techniques can be used to interrupt pessimistic thoughts and self-affirmative thinking nurtures confidence in our ability to draw positive conclusions from challenging situations. 

Once achieved, a positive mindset is almost limitless in its rewards.          

 

The Benefits Of A Positive Mindset

Increasing awareness of our conscious thoughts and adjusting those that are negative requires a great deal of commitment, patience and repetition. Luckily, the benefits of a positive mindset far outweigh the efforts taken to achieve it.

Let’s consider how a positive mindset benefits the three precursors to happiness outlined earlier.

 

Academic And Professional Success

 

In 2006, Carol Dweck published the book, ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success’ and revolutionised the world of education. Her now famous research examined attitudes towards failure and why some students rebound quickly, while others struggle to overcome minor setbacks. 

Dweck coined the terms ‘growth mindset’ and ‘fixed mindset’. The former relates to a person’s belief that their talents and abilities can be developed with effort and persistence; the latter describes an individual’s notion that their abilities and intelligence are fixed traits.

Advances in neuroscience reveal that neural plasticity permits the brain to develop and change, shattering the idea that we have an innate or fixed amount of intelligence. Studies carried out by Dweck and her team and countless more since, have found that dispelling a child’s view that people are either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ at something can lead to heightened academic success. 

We are, thus, able to achieve more by changing our mindset to view ourselves and the challenges we face, more positively. 

 

Physical And Mental Health

 

The study of positive thinking has gained much traction over the last decade, with research finding that optimistic outlooks are linked to lowered cholesterol levels, reduced risk of heart disease and boosted immune systems. This confirms the view that psychological and physical health are intertwined. 

Challenging our negative thoughts and adopting a more positive perspective additionally benefits our mental wellness. Many studies show that individuals who think positively are able to better cope with stress. In 2014, a longitudinal study revealed that positive psychology intervention within a school setting resulted in decreased symptoms of depression and elevated self-esteem amongst adolescents. 

 

Relationships

 

Sustaining strong relationships, whether biological, romantic or platonic, requires effort. We benefit from putting our energy into connecting with those around us as loneliness can lead to heightened stress levels.

When approaching relationships with a positive mindset, we are able to focus on all of the healthy aspects of the bond. This strengthens a connection, leading to feelings of happiness, whereas drawing out the negative elements can cause relationships to break down.

It is crucial to reiterate that a positive mindset does not mean burying your head in the sand when flaws surface in a relationship. More so, it is a way to keep feelings of anxiety to a minimum if a relationship ends.

 

How Can I Have A Positive Mindset?

 

Achieving a positive mindset doesn’t happen overnight. To become aware of your consciousness and replace negative thoughts with positive alternatives, you need to be equipped with the right skills and techniques.

The 5-Step BrainTuning® System, created by Dr. Jan C. Wulff, begins with self-discovery. This first step examines how you view yourself and the world around you and brings your personal goals to light. Mindfulness is developed through the series of sessions that follows and Dr. Jan teaches you how to make your thoughts work for you, not against you.

Dr. Jan has a background in medicine and over 12 years’ experience as a life coach. His clients, mainly high-achievers, include doctors and business owners. Almost all of them work in stressful environments. His expert teaching provides the foundation for his clients to change their mindset and lead more fulfilling, happier lives.

 

Book Your Discovery Call

 

If you believe that your happiness levels are faltering, now is the time to act. Take the first step towards effective stress management by booking a Discovery Call with Dr. Jan. This complimentary, 20-minute call will provide you with simple, actionable strategies that you can implement immediately.

A positive mindset can be truly life-changing, so get in touch today. After all, happiness is in everybody´s reach.