Positive Thinking Can Be Learned

Positive Thinking is a choice. Because if you keep your brain cells optimistic, you not only learn to think and live positively, but also longer and even healthier - at least that's what science says. We have some tips and exercises on how to learn to direct your thoughts in the right direction.

When my friend Martina and I enter the door of our favorite bar, suddenly many heads turn and we feel their curious eyes falling on us. "Just because you're wearing ripped jeans instead of high heels, people look at you the wrong way," Martina hisses in my ear - and makes me think with this statement.

Because I didn't feel degraded in any way. Even the opposite was the case. I took the situation optimistically. "Wow, we two must look pretty good today," was my secret thought.

Now many may think I go through life naively. And maybe I do too. But I am also one thing: an optimist – in complete contrast to my girlfriend. And positive thinking is a quality that is definitely to be recommended. Because scientists not only found out that optimists live healthier, longer and, of course, happier, but are also more successful.

The formula behind it is simple: If you have positive thoughts, you experience positive situations, have positive experiences, experience a lot of joy and good feedback, gain self-confidence and thus become stronger and more successful in life. And the best thing about it is that positive thinking can be learned. Whether you literally want to see the glass half full or half empty is a decision made by your head and your own thoughts. And if you don't want to believe that, you should take our tips to heart and convince yourself by trying them out for yourself.

Positive thinking works with these tips:

Direct your thoughts to the good

1 Anyone who assumes that everyone basically wants something good for them will not easily have bad experiences that could make their thoughts pessimistic. Even if there are misunderstandings or differences of opinion, positive thinkers do not interpret them as ill will, but as human misfortune. And as you know, the same can happen to anyone.

Go through life in a friendly way

2 As one shouts into the forest, so it echoes out again. This not only says an old proverb, but also people with positive thinking take it to heart. The simplest tip: be nice to each other and share your beautiful thoughts with each other!

Don't take bad experiences personally

3 How do optimists act when they've been hurt? They try not to take it personally. This is because they know that people often only act in abusive ways to protect themselves, to upgrade themselves or to distract themselves from their own deficits and negative thoughts. Usually it's less about hurting others and much more about how you feel about the person. People who think positively are therefore better able to let hurtful actions or statements bounce off them.

Leave time for positive thinking

4 Positive thinking takes time and practice. You need to train your brain and thoughts, like your muscles. The best thing to do is take the time to look at each situation (even if it's only in hindsight) from two perspectives: one with positive thoughts and one with negative thoughts. It should be clear that in the end you will choose the optimistic option.

Learn not to complain

5 “The weather is bad”, “I got a ticket”, “My friend was late again today” Pessimists mainly share the negative thoughts.

How about instead with positive sentences like: "After seven days of rainy weather it can only get better" Or: "Ouch, a ticket! That won't happen to me a second time!" Or: «Waiting for my boyfriend is annoying every now and then. Fortunately, I know that being unpunctual is not a sign of a lack of appreciation, but that he is simply less able to manage his time». You have to train a bit, but it's not difficult at all!

Treat yourself to something in life

6 Even die-hard optimists have dreary days and goofy thoughts every now and then. Then what do they do? Quite simply: They make their own sunshine by doing something good for themselves. Nice things like a massage appointment, a big portion of ice cream or a little shopping tour through the city are mental tenderness that bring joy and make positive thinking easier.

Don't compare

7 Happy is not he who is happier or better than the others. Satisfaction is a question of one's own feelings. Therefore, optimists direct their thoughts only to things that make them feel good or picture themselves well.

Share positive thoughts

8 Optimists not only do themselves a favor with their positive thoughts, but also others. Anyone who radiates cheerfulness, lightness and good thoughts in life will sooner or later infect those around them - and thus create an upward spiral of optimism. The important thing is: stay authentic, but persistent. After all, optimism is like any other ability: practice makes perfect (positively)!