The Power of a Positive Thought

One of Dr. Christiane Northrup’s “6 Ways to Have More Energy”, an article in October 8th's Parade magazine, reminded me of an area we can all benefit from and apply to our work lives. She says “Look for the positive”.

Dr. Northrup reminds us that our positive thoughts – those of optimism, gratefulness, and love, cause those “feel good” neurotransmitters called endorphins. These are the same beneficial chemicals you may have heard of as a benefit to exercising and meditating. Research shows that positive thoughts not only add to energy levels but also improve health and longevity. When people train themselves to feel love and gratitude regularly, their blood pressure normalizes, heart function stabilizes and they have more energy.

So how to apply this to your workday? Obviously, an optimistic person is a happier, healthier person, as noted above. We spend sometimes ridiculous amounts of time working at stress producing jobs, so looking for the good and being grateful for what’s going well at work is critical. Focus on your strengths, the customers and co-workers you enjoy, and your most rewarding activities - acknowledge and be grateful for them. Surround yourself with positive people. Refer to your list of Accomplishments and remember what you’ve achieved and be grateful and happy about them. Continue to do this as you go through your work week, training yourself to look at challenges differently. Eventually, optimism and energy take over and your outlook on work is better. Perspective returns and you know exactly what to do to continue feeling this new refreshing way.

This has and continues to work for me, for people I know, and it can work for you. Take one negative thing about your work, find the positive and focus on that for a change.

Back in 1952, Norman Vincent Peale wrote a best-selling book called The Power of Positive Thinking, subtitled “A Practical Guide to Mastering the Problems of Everyday Living”. In the 1940’s, Philosopher Ernest Holmes wrote “change your thinking, change your life”. Once again we’re reminded that the solution to living a fulfilling, joyful life, personally and at work, is right between our ears.