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Positive Thinking
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Tired of making resolutions and giving up days later? Worried this year is going to be the same as last year?
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Create specific goals Take a look!online now Things can get
better (Positive quotes)
http://www.thepeoplespoet.com/01e-positivefinalLR.pdf
Ask yourself; what exactly do I really want for myself this year, and when do I want to have it by? Then visualise having or achieving what you want, and imagine how you would feel. It's important to be as detailed as you can because - believe it or not - your brain is wired up to get you what you want. Once you have set a specific goal, your subconscious mind will then begin in picking up on opportunities that will help you achieve what you want - even if you do not realise it on a conscious level.
* Stay positive
Stop thinking about what you don't want and focus on what you do. ' I don't want to smoke anymore', think, I want to be healthier and richer. If you focus on the negatives, you get stuck in a rut because your mind is fixed on where you are now, not where you want to be in the future. For instance, if you say 'I don't want to be fat ', you might stick to your diet while you are feeling flabby. But once you have lost a few pounds, the motivation dip's (your brain thinks, 'Well I am not as fat as I was') and you lapse. This can work the same way if you are trying to recover from a mental health problem. Quote: 'If you try you may fail, but if you don't try you are guaranteed to fail' . Then again if you try something and you feel you have failed, not being able to do something at a specific time is not really a failure, just an obstacle that is in your way at that time. This may be because of lack of confidence in your self, anxiety, not believing in yourself. Obstacles can be knocked down and overcome, if it does not work the first time this does not mean it will not work the next time or the time after that. Try setting yourself small realistic targets, focus on the small targets you have set yourself. For instance, you may feel you need to become fitter than you are, but feel anxious around a lot of people. Try going for a walk in the park or a swim when you know there will not be a lot of people around. Then set your target for the time of day you want to try this. Try sticking to the time, if you only get to the end of the road and not to the park you have not failed you have succeeded in trying, keep trying until you get to where you want to be.
* Watch your language
If you make negative statements about yourself, your brain registers it just as if somebody else had put you down. It reinforces feelings of failure, knocks your confidence and saps your energy. Use positive language about yourself and your situation wherever possible.
* Don't look back in anger
Don't obsess over past mistakes or disappointments. The past cannot be changed but you have control over the future. We all make mistakes in life, none of us are perfect. We also often learn by our mistakes, so draw a line under the past and focus on going forward. Your future does not have to look like your past.
* Remember good times
Think about one of your high points in your life - anything you consider a success - and relive it in as much detail as you can. The memory will give you a lift and help you believe in yourself. Think; I succeeded in the past so I can do it in the future too.
* Find a role model
Look for somebody who has achieved your goal and let yourself be inspired by them. You don't actually have to meet them - just reading an autobiography can help you tap into their positivity.
* Take the first step
Once you've decided what you want, act. The first step doesn't have to be huge - for instance, if you want a new job, look up in the phone book for prospective employers or update your CV. Or try doing some voluntary work first, just to boost your confidence. The important think is to gain momentum by doing something today and build on that for the future.
* Set yourself up for success
Have an ultimate goal at the top and lots of smaller goals on the way. That way you can feel good about the journey rather than feeling frustrated if it takes longer than you'd . Don't forget to write down all of your goals - it's a great feeling when you can tick them off one by one.
* Have a back-up plan
Going of track needn't mean you have failed. For instance, if you resolve to go to the gym three times a week, then get hit with an urgent task and can't make it, go for a 15 minute walk at lunch time instead. (and pat yourself on the back) That way, you haven't lost momentum and can still feel good about yourself
* Prepare for setbacks
Think about potential barriers so you can plan your way around them rather than just giving up. For instance, if your aim is to study at college, one barrier might be anxiety of being with people you do not know or it has been so long since you have studied you are afraid you might not remember what you have learnt in the past.
If you have a problem with anxiety, there are mentors at the college to support you in the classroom, by sitting with you and if you wish also taking notes. You could also try to focus on another pupil you feel comfortable with and make attempts to speak to them during your break time.
Fear of not remembering what you have learnt in the past, your could buy course work books and go through the work at home before starting at college, just to brush up or jog your memory.
Think about how you could go about it and forward plan.
* Have a feel good list
Make a list of little things that make you happy and do them as often as you can. It doesn't have to be anything expensive - watching your favourite DVD, chatting to a friend on the phone or going for a walk in the park. When we are feeling down we often stop doing feel good things and get stuck in a downward spiral. If you make a conscious effort to lift your spirits, you'll feel more energetic and motivated. Other people will notice it too and be more drawn to you.
* Don't give up
Many people are held back by limiting beliefs - the idea that something is completely beyond them. The first set back only reinforces what they already believe and they give up, feeling worse than they did before. Resolve to see this differently. Instead of saying, 'I'm not strong/clever/talented enough to do that' ,say, I haven't yet learnt how to be able to do that'. I could do it if I learnt how to. Always leave the door open to possibilities and give yourself the chance to succeed in the future.
Quote: Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal (Henry Ford)
