The Effects Of Positive Thinking
Positive Self Talk
There is plenty of research into the effects of positive thinking. Some studies have found the power of positive thinking to be a hoax, others conclude its power is very real and that practicing it can lead to one or many of the following benefits:
Improved Health And Wellbeing
Dr. Richard J. Davidson, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin, found that the effects of positive thinking extend to the cells in your body. His research showed optimists have higher levels of disease-fighting cell activity with less of a decline under stress. Optimists also have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Overtime, these biological consequences may lead to:
A longer life
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
Increased psychological well being
Increased levels of productivity
Improved Chances Of Success
Positive thinking can also lead to an increased likelihood of success. If you're able to reframe failures and see them merely as feedback and temporary set backs, chances are you will eventually get to where you want to go.
Science concurs on positive thinking power in relation to success. Psychologist Suzanne Segerstrom, of the University of Kentucky, who has made a career of studying the psychology of optimism has this to say about its effect on your life:
"When optimists encounter a setback or slowed progress, they are less likely than pessimists to just give up. They might keep trying or even redouble their efforts... In the short term, when you run into trouble, it is easier on your body to give up than to keep trying. However, giving up is not a good answer if you ever want to achieve your goals, so it's probably healthier in the long run to pay the short-term cost associated with staying engaged with your goals."
Greater Levels of Fulfillment
In her book The How Of Happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California-Riverside, says practicing various positive thinking activities will improve your overall mood and level of fulfillment. These activities include cultivating gratitude and savoring everyday positive moments and experiences (like your morning coffee or a conversation with a good friend.) Initially, getting into the practice of repeating these actions to make them behaviors takes work. But as they become habitual, they require less and less conscious effort but lead to greater sustained happiness.
Better Interactions With Others
Who would you rather get to know, a pessimist or an optimist? People who practice positive self talk tend to be future-focused (not stuck in the past), they are more likely to take risks and are less deterred by fail or poor outcomes. Negative thinkers, on the other hand, are focused on avoiding negative outcomes. They continuosly recreate the past in their minds as a protective measure and a justification to avoid risk-taking. They are typically more upset and dejected by failure. They often display many low self esteem signs and see the world as an unfriendly place.
The Power Of Positive Thinking In Your Life
The jury may be out on the effects of positive thinking... but I say the magic of positive thinking is as real as you decide to make it. When you practice positive thinking, you cultivate positive emotions which has many good effects: improved health and well being, better relationships and higher levels of fulfillment in life.
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