The power of the positive mind is indeed significant and can have a profound impact on various aspects of our lives. Research studies conducted by reputable institutions like the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins have shown that individuals with a positive mindset experience fewer negative effects on their body systems due to the inflammatory effects of stress.
Harnessing the power of the positive mind begins with our self-talk, the internal dialogue we have with ourselves. Optimistic individuals, when faced with a new opportunity to learn or do something, approach it with thoughts like, “This is a great opportunity to discover something I might enjoy.”
On the other hand, pessimistic individuals might think, “This is not going to be good. I’ve never done this before, and I have no idea what I’m doing.” It’s clear which perspective is more likely to navigate, embrace, and reap the rewards of the new challenge successfully.
Self-talk is a habitual pattern, much like other individual behaviors. However, like any habit, it can be changed with practice. A practical starting point is to consciously eliminate negative words from your daily vocabulary.
Words such as “can’t,” “won’t,” “couldn’t,” “shouldn’t,” “no,” “not,” “wouldn’t,” “hardly,” “barely,” “never,” “neither,” “nothing,” and so on, are considered “closed-ended” words. By refraining from using these words in your speech, you also remind yourself to avoid them in your thoughts.
This process forces your brain to actively search for alternative ways to phrase both the spoken sentence and the underlying thought process. It presents an opportunity for empowerment, allowing you to shift from a pessimistic perspective to an optimistic one.
With consistent practice, this new pattern of thinking and positive self-talk becomes the norm, establishing a new habit chain in a positive direction.
Joe Carson B.S. NASM-CPT/FAS/CN
Master Trainer/Functional Aging Specialist/Certified Nutritionist
Twenty-First Century Aging