Before getting a new car, say a red Corvette, you've probably done some research online.

Maybe you've even visited a Chevrolet dealership and taken a test drive.

And then, all of a sudden, you start seeing that exact same make and model of vehicle everywhere you go. 

It's not just a coincidence. This happens thanks to your brain's awesome Reticular Activating System (RAS).

The RAS is a bundle of nerves that filters out unnecessary information so the important stuff gets through.

It's the attitude-programming mechanism in your brain which seeks information to validate your beliefs.

It's not like there are, all of a sudden, more red Corvettes on the road than before. 

Thanks to your RAS, you're just thinking of red Corvettes, right now, so you see more of them. 

But it's not just thoughts on vehicles, it's everything. Every day you have thousands of thoughts that seem to leap in and out of your mind.

Those thoughts greatly define who you are, who you will become, and what you will achieve.

Consider the kinds of thoughts you've had over the past 24 hours.

People tend to dwell on what's not working, and oftentimes your thoughts are dominated by problems and self-criticism.

So if you're telling yourself you can't do something, you won't be able to do it.

Worrying has the same effect.

Thankfully you can control your attitude (it's about the only thing you can control in life).

How to Think Positive Thoughts

Your mindset has an incredible influence on your wellbeing, happiness, and overall success.

If your attitude is negative, you're going to have negative outcomes. By cultivating a positive mental outlook, you can shape your reality and attract prosperity in all things faith, family, finances, and health.

In this lesson you'll learn 14 strategies to think more positive thoughts and learn how to master your mindset.

1. Embrace gratitude

One of the foundational pillars of positive thinking is gratitude. Gratitude allows you to appreciate the abundance in your life, no matter how small.

Begin each day by reflecting on three things you're grateful for. This simple practice shifts your focus to the positive aspects of your life and opens your mind to the possibilities that lie ahead.

This thankfulness can have a profound impact on your RAS, and positively impact your entire day, leading to even more positive outcomes.

I know it can be challenging but, just like when you think about red Corvettes, and you see more red Corvettes, when you think about positive success, you get more positive success.

2. Choose empowering beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality. Identify any negative or self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

Challenge their validity and replace them with empowering beliefs. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, "I can't do it," reframe it as, "I am capable, and I can overcome any challenge."

With consistent practice, you'll create a more positive and supportive belief system.

3. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the art of being fully present in the moment. Engage in activities that promote mindfulness, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even a nature walk.

By training your mind to focus on the present, you'll let go of worries about the past or future, paving the way for positive thoughts to flourish.

4. Surround yourself with positive influences

Surrounding yourself with positive influences and like-minded individuals is crucial. What are you feeding your thoughts?

Seek out relationships that uplift, inspire, and support your journey towards positive thinking.

Engage in uplifting conversations, read motivational books, and listen to podcasts that align with your goals.

Remember, you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so choose your circle wisely.

5. Reframe challenges as opportunities

Life is full of challenges, but it's your perspective that determines how you handle them. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, reframe them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Embrace a solution-oriented mindset and focus on the lessons learned from each experience.

By doing so, you'll cultivate resilience and create positive thoughts even in the face of adversity.

6. Use positive affirmations

Affirmations are powerful statements that can transform your self-perception and boost your confidence.

Repeat positive affirmations daily, such as "I am worthy of success," or "I am capable of achieving my goals."

Over time, these affirmations will rewire your subconscious mind, replacing negative self-talk with positive thoughts.

I'm on a new diet where I eat whatever I want, but I whisper "guilt-free" after each bite. It's all about positive affirmations, you know?

7. Practice self-care

Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Take time to nurture your physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you recharge. Prioritize quality sleep, eat nourishing foods, and exercise regularly.

When you care for yourself, you create a positive foundation that supports a positive mindset.

8. Focus on solutions, not problems

When faced with a problem, it's easy to get caught up in negativity. However, a positive thinker focuses on solutions rather than dwelling on the problem itself.

Train your mind to shift from "This is impossible," to "What steps can I take to overcome this?"

By directing your energy towards solutions, you'll find yourself attracting positive outcomes.

9. Celebrate small wins

Acknowledging and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, is crucial for maintaining a positive mindset.

Each step forward is progress worth celebrating. Recognize the effort you put in, the milestones you reach, and the growth you experience along the way.

This fosters a positive mindset and fuels your motivation to keep pushing forward.

10. Practice visualization

Visualization is a powerful tool for manifesting your desires and reinforcing positive thoughts. Take a few minutes each day to visualize your goals and dreams as if they have already been achieved.

Engage all your senses and immerse yourself in the experience. This practice helps align your subconscious mind with your aspirations, paving the way for their realization.

11. Let go of negativity

To embrace positive thoughts, it's essential to let go of negativity. Release grudges, resentments, and any emotional baggage that weighs you down.

Forgiveness, both towards others and yourself, liberates your mind and opens up space for positivity to flourish.

Free yourself from the burden of negativity and make room for a brighter future.

12. Practice random acts of kindness

Kindness has a profound impact, not only on others but also on our own wellbeing.

Engage in random acts of kindness daily. It could be as simple as offering a compliment, lending a helping hand, or donating to a charity.

These acts not only bring joy to others but also create a ripple effect of positivity in your life.

13. Cultivate optimistic language

The language you use reflects your mindset. Make a conscious effort to use positive and optimistic language in your daily conversations, both with others and with yourself.

Replace words like "can't," "won't," and "impossible" with words like "can," "will," and "possible."

By using uplifting language, you reinforce positive thoughts and create a more optimistic outlook.

14. Reflect and learn

Regularly take time to reflect on your thoughts and actions. Recognize patterns of negative thinking and actively work to replace them with positive alternatives.

Embrace a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for personal development.

Each experience provides valuable lessons that contribute to your growth and journey towards positive thinking.

Positive thoughts are a powerful force that can transform your life in remarkable ways. By adopting these practices, embracing gratitude, choosing empowering beliefs, and nurturing a positive mindset, you can unleash your full potential.

Remember, positive thinking is a skill that requires practice, patience, and perseverance.

So, commit to this journey and watch as your life blossoms with joy, abundance, and fulfillment.

Summary: 

If you're looking to get leaner, stronger, and slow aging, immerse yourself in positive thoughts about it. Any statement you make to yourself becomes a single thread in your brain. More thoughts on that particular topic become a bundle of threads. Even more thoughts and the bundle becomes a sturdy rope. So why not make them positive thoughts? It's the best way to get a positive outcome. 

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online personal trainer, or you want to visit the best personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.