Advantages of a positive frame of mind.

Life is not all plain sailing. Indeed, hardship, trials and tribulations are part and parcel of our lives. Encountering difficulty is not a bad thing, what matters is the approach we take to deal with it. A positive frame of mind is crucial for so many reasons. Positive thinking is proven to increase performance in productivity and quality. We tend to be more confident and function better if we are feeling good and well.

I have found biological examples of this. A positive frame of mind is because of elevated amounts of neuro transmitters such as serotonin that regulate the performance capabilities of the brain. The knock results of a positive frame of mind also include enhanced health not just improved mental health but better in the physical sense aswell. This is because of the boost to the immune system that a positive frame of mind can give you.

The opposite is also true, when we are depressed we are a lot more liable to getting other diseases and mental health issues. Our relationships with others deteriorate, we start to think irrationally and our confidents can fall. In short this is a frame of mind that is best to avoid at all costs. Feeling depressed from time to time is not uncommon but the way we decide to face a dilemma comes from our state of mind.

A positive mental attitude is also about giving you a can do attitude. Individuals who think positively are more likely to see challenges instead of problems or possibilities instead of difficulties. For example, entrepreneurs who are successful often are because they are able to spot opportunities for growth in a marketplace which others only see problems in. The positive mental attitude of a successful individual means that opportunity becomes a reality; because they also have the drive and motivation to ensure success and make their dream come true. So as you can see there is much to be gained from a positive mental attitude. The issue for lots of people is in developing one in the first place.

Creating a positive frame of mind is not some new aged trend. For ages religious men and scholars alike searched for and created techniques to harness an inner harmony. While this may have begun to make mankind closer to god the essence of this idea is just as relevant today. That a positive frame of mind makes us closer to the divine while a negative frame of mind can only lead us in to ways of being that are a detriment to our lives. Monks realised this long ago which is why they devote themselves to a life of abstinence and mental and spiritual fulfilment.

One of the simplest ways to determine your frame of mind is to reflect on how you are with other people. A good way to do this is to picture how you behave towards people you do not know. Are you outgoing and open to meeting and talking with others? Or are you insular and shy. Believe it or not one of the best ways to conquer a negative frame of mind is to change your mindset to the world around you and that means the people in it as well. If you are generally uncomfortable around other people then try this experiment.

One night force yourself to strike up a conversation at random in a public place. Do not worry about how you look or appear or what you discuss. A reference in regards to the weather or anything will do. Just try it and note how you feel afterwards.

You see, how you are with people will impact the opportunities you get presented. Consider it in this way who is the most likely to get a job between two people of equal ability and experience except for one difference, One is uptight and uncomforable with other people and the other is laid back and comfortable with other people. If I was the boss I know which one I would pick for the Job.

Do you suffer from a negative frame of mind? If so check out Quentin’s blog on Overcoming social anxiety.