Why is it that some people seem to have it all? They have a nice home, a successful career, and a great spouse. For years, you’ve heard about the power of positive thinking and the impact it can have on a person’s life. A quote from Winston Churchill sums it up in a few words: “An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” So what does the research say? Does viewing the glass half full really increase your chances for a healthier and more productive life?
There’s actually been a lot of research on this very subject. In March 2014, the Mayo Clinic published findings that substantiate the pros to positive thinking. According to their research, the long list of benefits includes longevity, psychological and physical well-being, reduced bouts of depression, and reduced common cold symptoms. The Huffington Post had similar findings.
In a series of articles written in December 2014, June 2015, and February 2016, Huffington Post contributors cited what many others have said for decades. All of these articles came to similar conclusions: when you maneuver through life in a positive manner you improve not only your chances of achieving success, but also your quality of life.
So why do those who think in a positive manner get more out of life? Well when it comes to searching for a job, a person who is upbeat and ambitious doesn’t put limitations on themselves. If they don’t have all the qualifications, they still present themselves well in an interview. They promote their strengths not weaknesses and fearlessly state why they would be the best candidate. A person that views life positively doesn’t stress over things out of their control, but rather finds creative ways around them. Obstacles are only in place if you believe you can’t achieve success. And when you have a truly positive outlook, the world of “doom and gloom” just isn’t an option.
The power of positive thinking also plays an important role in your overall health. It’s no secret that stress causes harm to the body. According to an article printed on the American Psychological Association website, the list of stress-induced issues ranges from muscle aches, fatigue, premature aging, ulcers, hair loss, liver damage, accelerated adrenal glands, and more.
The good news is that anyone can learn to take on a positive outlook. In one Huffington Post article about stress management, the author outlines key items that would correctly determine whether or not you are a pessimist. In addition, this article also gives you sound advice through examples on how to change your way of thinking and enjoy a more productive and fulfilling life. These changes can include weekly exercise sessions, hanging out with positive people and learning to view yourself in a positive way.
Like anything else, time is the healer. If you truly want to find happiness and get more out of life, you must start slow. Try writing a journal to keep track of your process. It can contain items such as how many times you corrected your thinking to “I know I can” or “I’m ready to give it a try.” If you take baby steps now, soon you’ll be experiencing life with excitement and seeing the glass half full in every aspect of your life.