🧭The Power of Positive Thinking

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Here’s where we’re headed today:

• Zig Ziglar on positive thinking

• Why to choose positive over negative thinking

• The power of neutral thinking and how athletes use it to perform

• Calvin and Hobbes on positivity

Zig Ziglar on Positive Thinking

"Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will."

- Zig Ziglar

Why Choose Positive Over Negative Thinking

What is positive thinking? Positive thinking is having a positive and optimistic mindset that looks for the good in situations and expects favorable outcomes. It involves maintaining an optimistic outlook, expecting favorable outcomes, and focusing on solutions rather than problems

Why does positive thinking matter? The power of positivity matters to you because it can significantly enhance your mental well-being, boost your resilience, and lead to greater success and satisfaction in life.

Positive thinking can lead to:

• Improved mental health

• Enhanced resilience

• Better physical health

• Stronger relationships

• Increased chances of success

What the science says:

1. Positivity and Heart Health - A study published in the journal "Psychosomatic Medicine" explored the relationship between positivity and heart health. Researchers followed more than 1,000 patients with coronary artery disease over a period of years. The study found that patients who maintained positive emotions were more likely to live longer and had a lower risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack. The researchers suggested that positive emotions might improve heart health by reducing stress-related damage to the body and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.

2. Positive Emotions and Longevity - A study by researchers at the University of Kentucky, published in "Aging," examined the autobiographies of 180 nuns written in their early 20s and analyzed the emotional content. The study found that nuns who expressed more positive emotions in their autobiographies lived, on average, 10 years longer than those who expressed fewer positive emotions. This research provided evidence that a positive outlook early in life can have a long-term impact on longevity.

3. Positive Thinking and Performance - Research conducted by psychologists at Stanford University, published in the "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology," explored the impact of a positive mindset on academic performance. The study showed that students who were encouraged to maintain a positive outlook and believe in their own ability to succeed were more likely to perform better academically. This was particularly evident in subjects like mathematics and science. The study highlighted the role of positivity in enhancing motivation, perseverance, and performance in challenging academic settings.

Why Choose Positive Thinking or Self-Awareness over Negative Thinking? Negative thinking works, but not in the way that you want for yourself or your future. You have over 6,000 thoughts per day and about 70% of them are negative or critical.

The goal isn't to always be delusional with positive thinking, but to learn how to be self-aware and take control of your negative thinking. It is about being able to be mindful of those negative thoughts so you don't say them out loud and let them influence your inner dialogue.

Getting to Neutral

What is Neutral Thinking? Neutral thinking, as presented by Trevor Moawad in his book "Getting to Neutral," is a mindset that emphasizes a judgment-free, process-oriented approach to situations, particularly under high pressure.

This form of thinking involves assessing situations objectively, without being swayed by positive or negative emotions. It's about staying grounded in reality, focusing on the present, and not getting carried away by past failures or future anxieties.

By adopting a neutral mindset, you can reduce stress, improve decision-making, and enhance overall performance in various life aspects, such as sports, business, and personal relationships.

Why does Neutral Thinking matter? 

• Stress Reduction: It helps in managing stress and anxiety by preventing overreaction to situations, whether they are positive or negative.

• Improved Decision-Making: By focusing on the present and avoiding emotional biases, neutral thinking fosters clearer, more effective decision-making.

• Enhanced Performance: In high-pressure situations, such as in sports or business, neutral thinking enables individuals to perform at their best without being hindered by fear of failure or anxiety about outcomes.

• Better Handling of Challenges: It allows individuals to tackle challenges more effectively by focusing on actionable steps rather than being overwhelmed by emotions or circumstances.

• Greater Resilience: Neutral thinking builds resilience by encouraging a balanced approach to life's ups and downs, making it easier to bounce back from setbacks.

How does it differ from mindfulness and meditation? While mindfulness and meditation are about cultivating inner peace and awareness, neutral thinking is more about practical, judgment-free assessment and response in various life scenarios. It’s aimed at practical, real-world problem-solving and decision-making, rather than the introspective, self-awareness goals of mindfulness and meditation.

How can I implement neutral thinking? Here are 4 techniques:

• The 24-Hour Rule: A technique that helps you deal with negative emotions after a setback or loss by giving yourself 24 hours to vent or grieve, and then move on to problem-solving and decision making.

• The 15-Minute Rule: A technique that helps you prepare for a high-pressure situation by spending 15 minutes visualizing the best possible outcome, the worst possible outcome, and the most likely outcome. This allows you to visualize obstacles and challenges before they happen.

• The 5-Minute Rule: A technique that helps you boost your confidence before a high-pressure situation by spending 5 minutes reviewing your past successes and achievements. Give yourself proof where you have had similar wins before.

• The 3-Minute Rule: A technique that helps you calm your nerves during a high-pressure situation by spending 3 minutes breathing deeply and repeating a positive affirmation or mantra. Be present. Don’t worry about the past or the future, just focus on the present moment.

The Experts on Positive Thinking

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