What you think you become – JR and I always remind each other of that. Positive thinking is one of the tenets upon which we live our lives. The start of a new season is the perfect time to remind ourselves of that. When it comes to the wrapping up of summer and the onset of fall, one thing always rings true – you’re ready for a bit of a renewal. Even though you may not be starting a new school year or embarking on a new adventure, it just feels like a time to kick start some of those goals that have been lingering in the back of your mind all summer long. And, when the negative thoughts start rolling in, you tend to become hesitant to chase those goals – nervous about failure or the unknown. That’s when a change in our thoughts is so utterly essential.
So how can you change your train of thought to help steer toward those goals? Simply put: with the power of positive thinking. Turns out, you’re in luck – September 13th is “Positive Thinking Day” – is there a better way to get started? Here’s a look at how to make that shift from doubt to confidence in a heartbeat.
Sept. 13 is Positive Thinking Day: 5 Ways to Feel Enlightened
#1. Try meditation, yoga or any sort of relaxation technique. Sounds so simple, right? Here’s the thing: we ra`rely get a few moments to ourselves to simply reflect on what we’ve accomplished so far or what we aim to do in the coming months. Sometimes you have to actually set that time aside to focus on relaxation and reflection. Dipping your toes into some easy meditation or restorative yoga are a couple of the best ways to bring those goals back into focus.
#2. Let yourself have a laugh. You know what they say, “laughter is contagious,” and wow is that true. When you allow yourself that chance to smile and laugh, you also lighten the load of your mind – one of the best ways to see all the amazing possibilities out there that the world has to offer. Even when things seem intense, serious or pressing – a little smile and laughter goes a long way in giving you the perspective you need to focus on what’s most important to you.
#3. Take responsibility for your own inactions. If you have done nothing to chase those goals or achieve those dreams you want so badly – it’s time to own it. No one can make a change in your life except for you. And, coming to terms with that is essential for figuring out how to get to that next step. If you need to start from scratch – OK, you’ll start from scratch. If you need a new plan, that’s on you to get it all figured out. Whatever it is – own your stuff and remember that you shape your life.
#4. Remind yourself what you love about your life right now. If all you’re thinking about is change, change, change – sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what you’re unhappy with rather than what’s actually working. Sit down and make a list of all the things and people you’re grateful for and what they bring to your life. It’s amazing what happens when you compile it all – things become immediately clear and not so grim. An exercise that’s definitely worth the time.
#5. Just do it. Now is the time to make a change. Fall is the season for starting something new, taking on a new challenge and resetting your life clock. So in the most simple of terms: just do it. You know what you want, you know what you need to do to get there, you know you’re capable – so what’s stopping you?
How about you? Does fall feel like a time to steer yourself toward those goals that may have been lost along the way? Which one of these steps will help you reset and find the power of positive thinking?
