When you’re having a bad day, it can be easy to get bogged down by negative thoughts. What’s worse is those negative thoughts produce more negative thoughts. So how do you turn those thoughts around? You start by outnumbering the negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
Ten Times the Positive
Whenever you think a negative thought, balance it out with ten positive thoughts. For example, if you think, “I’m weak,” respond with, “I’m strong,” ten times.
During leadership class this past Saturday, Sensei helped visualize this by drawing on a whiteboard. On the picture, each black dot was a negative thought and each red dot was a positive thought. All of these little “thought dots” filled a circle, which represents your mind. Whenever someone said a negative thought, Sensei had them say ten positive thoughts. Within just a few moments, even though negative thoughts were being said, the whole circle got filled with positive thoughts!
Redirect and Counter
This positivity technique is a reflection of the redirection and countering we practice in martial arts. We practice redirection by taking a negative thought and transforming it into a positive thought, just like we turn a powerful punch into a miss with a simple block. Then, just as we counter an opponent with a flurry, we counter that thought by overwhelming it with positive thoughts.
Why Think Positive?
What’s the point of thinking positively, anyway? Aren’t some people just naturally optimistic or pessimistic? Well, even those who see the glass as half-empty can benefit from positive thinking. Using positive thinking techniques can foster a positive mindset that will turn your life around. And that positive mindset doesn’t just affect how your mind works. It changes your body too!
People who think positively have longer lives, better heart health, less stress, and even less pain. It’s never too late to start getting those benefits. Even if you’ve been pessimistic since you were a child, you can learn to be optimistic. The secret is to recognize those negative thoughts, redirect them into positivity, then counter with overwhelming positivity.
“Anyone can learn to be optimistic – the trick is to find purpose in work and life.”
Dr. Leah Weiss
Conclusion
Even if you’re having a bad day, it doesn’t have to stay that way. When the negative thoughts are getting you down, turn them around with overwhelming force. Respond to each negative thought with ten positive thoughts, and your day will get brighter in no time!
If you’re looking to make your life more positive, Basche’s Martial arts is a phenomenal first step. Our instructors and students will support you on every step of your journey.
Jacob O’Dell
April 21, 2023