Essay on Positive Thinking

Positive thinking refers to a belief or mental attitude which makes us think that good things will happen eventually and our efforts will pay off sooner or later. It is the opposite of negative thinking which makes our mind full of stress and fear. Thus, an essay on positive thinking will show us how it reinforces thoughts like optimism and hope and works wonders.

essay on positive thinking

Benefits of Positive Thinking

Let it be clear that positive thinking does not mean you do not notice the bad things in life. It means you try to find a solution in a productive way instead of whining about it. There are many benefits of positive thinking.

The first one is better health. Negative thinking gives rise to anxiety, stress, frustration and more. However, positive thinking helps you avoid all this and focus on staying healthy and doing better in life.

Further, it is essential for us to fight depression which positive thinking helps with. Similarly, it will also help us to relieve stress. Positive thinking overwhelms stress and it will allow you to get rid of stress.

As a result, positive thinking helps you live longer. It is because you will be free from diseases that form due to stress, anxiety and more. Moreover, it is also the key to success. Meaning to say, success becomes easier when you don’t bash yourself up.

Similarly, it also gives us more confidence. It boosts our self-esteem and helps in becoming more confident and self-assured. Therefore, we must certainly adopt positive thinking to make the most of our lives.

How to Build a Positive Thinking

There are many ways through which we can build positive thinking. To begin with, we must inculcate the habit of reading motivational and inspiring stories of people who are successful.

All this will help in motivating and inspiring you and showing you the right path. Moreover, it is important to never let negative thoughts thrive in your mind and work towards putting end to this habit.

You can do so by replacing your negative thoughts with constructive and positive reviews. Start to pay attention to your ideas and don’t pay heed to negative thoughts. Further, it is helpful to use affirmations.

These positive statements will truly sink into your subconscious mind and guide you to take better action. It will also help in visualising your dreams and getting the right means to achieve them fast.

Finally, always stay guard and gatekeep your mind to make important changes in life. In other words, do not be afraid to take actions. Keep yourself busy and do different things to avoid becoming cynical and remaining positive.

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Conclusion of the Essay on Positive Thinking

To conclude, we must change our attitude and believe that we will succeed one day. Moreover, we also need to implement positive thinking techniques which will help us learn from our failures and stay focused. As positive thinking plays an essential role in our lives, we must make sure to adopt in our lives.

FAQ of Essay on Positive Thinking

Question 1: What is positive thinking?

Answer 1: Positive thinking is basically an optimistic attitude. In other words, it is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. This kind of thinking can have a big impact on your physical and mental health .

Question 2: Why is positive thinking important?

Answer 2: Positive thinking is important as it helps us with stress management and can even improve our health. Moreover, some studies show that personality traits like optimism can affect many areas of our health and well-being. Thus, positive thinking comes with optimism

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Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress

Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health. Practice overcoming negative self-talk with examples provided.

Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you're optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health.

Indeed, some studies show that personality traits such as optimism and pessimism can affect many areas of your health and well-being. The positive thinking that usually comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management. And effective stress management is associated with many health benefits. If you tend to be pessimistic, don't despair — you can learn positive thinking skills.

Understanding positive thinking and self-talk

Positive thinking doesn't mean that you ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst.

Positive thinking often starts with self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information or expectations due to preconceived ideas of what may happen.

If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is more likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you're likely an optimist — someone who practices positive thinking.

The health benefits of positive thinking

Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

  • Increased life span
  • Lower rates of depression
  • Lower levels of distress and pain
  • Greater resistance to illnesses
  • Better psychological and physical well-being
  • Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke
  • Reduced risk of death from cancer
  • Reduced risk of death from respiratory conditions
  • Reduced risk of death from infections
  • Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

It's unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.

It's also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles — they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don't smoke or drink alcohol in excess.

Identifying negative thinking

Not sure if your self-talk is positive or negative? Some common forms of negative self-talk include:

  • Filtering. You magnify the negative aspects of a situation and filter out all the positive ones. For example, you had a great day at work. You completed your tasks ahead of time and were complimented for doing a speedy and thorough job. That evening, you focus only on your plan to do even more tasks and forget about the compliments you received.
  • Personalizing. When something bad occurs, you automatically blame yourself. For example, you hear that an evening out with friends is canceled, and you assume that the change in plans is because no one wanted to be around you.
  • Catastrophizing. You automatically anticipate the worst without facts that the worse will happen. The drive-through coffee shop gets your order wrong, and then you think that the rest of your day will be a disaster.
  • Blaming. You try to say someone else is responsible for what happened to you instead of yourself. You avoid being responsible for your thoughts and feelings.
  • Saying you "should" do something. You think of all the things you think you should do and blame yourself for not doing them.
  • Magnifying. You make a big deal out of minor problems.
  • Perfectionism. Keeping impossible standards and trying to be more perfect sets yourself up for failure.
  • Polarizing. You see things only as either good or bad. There is no middle ground.

Focusing on positive thinking

You can learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking. The process is simple, but it does take time and practice — you're creating a new habit, after all. Following are some ways to think and behave in a more positive and optimistic way:

  • Identify areas to change. If you want to become more optimistic and engage in more positive thinking, first identify areas of your life that you usually think negatively about, whether it's work, your daily commute, life changes or a relationship. You can start small by focusing on one area to approach in a more positive way. Think of a positive thought to manage your stress instead of a negative one.
  • Check yourself. Periodically during the day, stop and evaluate what you're thinking. If you find that your thoughts are mainly negative, try to find a way to put a positive spin on them.
  • Be open to humor. Give yourself permission to smile or laugh, especially during difficult times. Seek humor in everyday happenings. When you can laugh at life, you feel less stressed.
  • Follow a healthy lifestyle. Aim to exercise for about 30 minutes on most days of the week. You can also break it up into 5- or 10-minute chunks of time during the day. Exercise can positively affect mood and reduce stress. Follow a healthy diet to fuel your mind and body. Get enough sleep. And learn techniques to manage stress.
  • Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive, supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy ways.
  • Practice positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond with affirmations of what is good about you. Think about things you're thankful for in your life.

Here are some examples of negative self-talk and how you can apply a positive thinking twist to them:

Practicing positive thinking every day

If you tend to have a negative outlook, don't expect to become an optimist overnight. But with practice, eventually your self-talk will contain less self-criticism and more self-acceptance. You may also become less critical of the world around you.

When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you're better able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. That ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking.

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  • Forte AJ, et al. The impact of optimism on cancer-related and postsurgical cancer pain: A systematic review. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.008.
  • Rosenfeld AJ. The neuroscience of happiness and well-being. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2019;28:137.
  • Kim ES, et al. Optimism and cause-specific mortality: A prospective cohort study. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2016; doi:10.1093/aje/kww182.
  • Amonoo HL, et al. Is optimism a protective factor for cardiovascular disease? Current Cardiology Reports. 2021; doi:10.1007/s11886-021-01590-4.
  • Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2nd ed. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition. Accessed Oct. 20, 2021.
  • Seaward BL. Essentials of Managing Stress. 4th ed. Burlington, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2021.
  • Seaward BL. Cognitive restructuring: Reframing. Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being. 8th ed. Burlington, Mass.: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2018.
  • Olpin M, et al. Stress Management for Life. 5th ed. Cengage Learning; 2020.
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How to Be More Positive

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

essay on positive thinking in life

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a professor at Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology doctoral program.

essay on positive thinking in life

Peter Griffith / Getty Images

  • Characteristics
  • Potential Pitfalls

Can You Be Too Positive?

Frequently asked questions.

Positivity involves maintaining an optimistic outlook on life. It means being cheerful and hopeful, even when you are facing challenges. Positive people look for the good in every situation and are grateful for what they have. They tend to see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty.

Being positive doesn't mean you never feel negative emotions or struggle with pessimistic thoughts. Everyone has days when they feel down or discouraged. The difference is that positive thinkers don't let their negative emotions control them.

They don't dwell on their problems but instead focus on finding solutions. They don't get caught up in negative thoughts and always try to look on the bright side of life.

Fortunately, there are strategies you can do to gently guide yourself toward becoming more positive in your daily life. If you want to be more positive, there are a few things you can do.

Practice Gratitude

Make a list of things you're grateful for. Write in a gratitude journal and jot down a few things that made you feel happy or grateful. These don’t have to be original or earth-shattering observations—it could be something as simple as a beautiful, sunny day or your cat nuzzling against your hand while trying to work. 

By focusing on the good things in your life, you’ll naturally start to shift into a more positive frame of mind.

Savor Anticipation

Find something to look forward to each day. Research has found that having something positive to look forward to helps to improve mood and reduce stress.

Whether visiting your favorite bookstore, enjoying a cup of coffee with your friends, taking an evening walk in the park, or reading your favorite book, make sure to find something to look forward to each day. This will help keep you positive even when things aren't going your way.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice that involves fully focusing on the present moment, including your thoughts, sensations, and environment. It can have a variety of benefits , including improving your awareness of your thoughts and moods.

When you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and focus on the present moment. Notice how your body feels and what sounds you can hear.  Once you learn to identify your thoughts, you can then work to actively replace negative thoughts with more positive ones.

Even if you're not feeling happy, forcing yourself to smile can actually make you feel better. Smiling helps release chemicals in your brain that make you feel happy and relaxed. 

Researchers have found that not only does smiling help induce positive feelings, it also helps people view the world from a more positive point of view. So next time you're feeling down, try smiling for a few minutes and see how it can help you feel more optimistic.

Use Positive Self-Talk

The things that you say to yourself influence how to think about yourself and the world, and self-criticism is bound to undermine your ability to look on the bright side. Researchers have found that switching from negative self-talk to positive self-talk can help improve emotions and reduce stress.

Characteristics of Positive People

Being positive doesn’t mean only thinking happy thoughts all of the time. Even the most optimistic of people experience sadness, discouragement, and anger. However, positive people generally have the following characteristics:

Finds solutions

Compassionate

Pessimistic

Ruminates on the problems

Benefits of Being Positive

There are many benefits to being positive, both mentally and physically. Some of the most notable benefits include:

  • Better mental well-being : Positive people tend to have better overall mental health. They're less likely to experience anxiety or depression. They are also more resilient in the face of life’s challenges. During difficult times, being more positive can help create a buffer against the negative effects of stress.
  • Increased happiness : Positivity is also linked to greater happiness and subjective well-being . Positive people can find joy in their daily lives and are not as easily affected by stress or negative emotions.
  • Better physical health : Research suggests that being more positive is associated with better physical health. Positive people are less likely to die from cardiovascular problems and live longer than their pessimistic counterparts.
  • Stronger relationships : Positive people are less likely to have conflicts with others and have healthier, more fulfilling interpersonal relationships.

Potential Pitfalls of Being Less Positive

While there are many benefits to being positive, there are also a few potential pitfalls to consider. Experiencing negative thoughts can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety.

It is also much more difficult to take care of yourself physically when you have a more pessimistic point of view. In addition to feeling more stressed in general, negativity often means neglecting health behaviors that play an important part in overall health, including eating nutritious foods and regular exercise.

Because negative people are more difficult to spend time with, being less positive may also negatively impact relationships. This can lead to loneliness and isolation, contributing to even more negativity.

Being less positive can also make it difficult to feel motivated to achieve your goals. Negativity, particularly when directed toward yourself, impairs your ability to set goals and find the drive to pursue them. It can undermine your sense of self-efficacy and leave you feeling as if nothing you do will make a difference.

It is also important to note that, like positivity, negativity can also be contagious. Your thoughts and moods may follow suit when you're around someone negative. This can lead to a cycle of negativity that's difficult to break free from.

If the need to be positive all the time leads you to ignore or deny the existence of negative emotions, it might mean that you are being too positive. Known as toxic positivity , this tendency causes people to feel shamed and unsupported when they are struggling with darker emotions or difficult experiences.

Being positive has many benefits, such as increased happiness, stronger relationships, and greater success in life. However, there are also a few potential pitfalls, such as depression and anxiety, negative physical health effects, and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. To be more positive, spend time with positive people, do things that make you happy, avoid negative thoughts and emotions, be grateful for what you have, and focus on the good in every situation.

Some tactics that may help you stay positive include:

  • Spending time with positive people
  • Pursuing activities that bring you joy
  • Using positive self-talk 
  • Practicing gratitude
  • Looking for the good in different situations

Having an optimistic outlook is connected to a number of physical and mental health benefits. Positive people are better able to deal with their stress, are more resistant to illness, and enjoy greater longevity.

Shifting to a more positive mindset takes time, but learning how to identify negative thoughts is an important first step. When you notice these thoughts, take a moment to actively challenge them. What evidence contradicts them? Are there other explanations that might also be equally valid? How can you change your thoughts about the situation to feel more positive? As you practice, you will find it much easier to see things with a more optimistic perspective over time. 

A Word From Verywell

Some people seem to have a natural knack for looking on the bright side, while for others it takes a bit more work. If you find that you tend to dwell on negative thoughts, there are strategies can you use to help be more positive. Watching how you talk to yourself, actively challenging your negative thoughts, and practicing gratitude are just a few techniques that may help.

Monfort SS, Stroup HE, Waugh CE. The impact of anticipating positive events on responses to stress . Journal of Experimental Social Psychology . 2015;58:11-22. doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2014.12.003

van Agteren J, Iasiello M, Lo L et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychological interventions to improve mental wellbeing . Nat Hum Behav . 2021. doi:10.1038/s41562-021-01093-w

Marmolejo-ramos F, Murata A, Sasaki K, et al. Your face and moves seem happier when I smile . Exp Psychol . 2020;67(1):14-22. doi:10.1027/1618-3169/a000470

Kross E, Bruehlman-Senecal E, Park J, Burson A, Dougherty A, Shablack H, Bremner R, Moser J, Ayduk O. Self-talk as a regulatory mechanism: how you do it matters . J Pers Soc Psychol . 2014;106(2):304-24. doi:10.1037/a0035173

Cosentino AC, Castro Solano A. The high five: Associations of the five positive factors with the big five and well-being . Front Psychol . 2017;8:1250. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01250

Park N, Peterson C, Szvarca D, Vander Molen RJ, Kim ES, Collon K. Positive psychology and physical health: Research and applications . Am J Lifestyle Med . 2016;10(3):200-206. doi:10.1177/1559827614550277

Boyraz G, Lightsey OR Jr. Can positive thinking help? Positive automatic thoughts as moderators of the stress-meaning relationship . Am J Orthopsychiatry . 2012;82(2):267-77. doi:10.1111/j.1939-0025.2012.01150.x

De Neve JE, Diener E, Tay L, Xuereb C.  The Objective Benefits of Subjective Well-Being . Social Science Research Network.

Buigues C, Queralt A, De Velasco JA, et al. Psycho-social factors in patients with cardiovascular disease attending a family-centred prevention and rehabilitation programme: Euroaction model in Spain . Life . 2021;11(2):89. doi:10.3390/life11020089

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D.

  • Positive Psychology

Positive Thinking Isn't Always the Best Way to Go

Positivity fails to deal with the dark side of life..

Posted April 28, 2021 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

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  • Working through or processing negative feelings is one of the best ways to stay emotionally healthy.
  • Unresolved negative feelings often lead to psychological symptoms.

When we suffer pain, rejection, disappointment, loss, disease, or another catastrophe, happy talk, whistling in the dark, or putting on a happy face do not work. Every cloud does not have a silver lining nor is there a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow.

Because the world is filled with all sorts of unhappy events, from not getting that dream job to losing a best friend to cancer, thinking only positive thoughts is delusional. Trying to maintain a happy face while tragedy engulfs us is unnatural, akin to trying to laugh when our hearts are breaking. Like Pagliacci, the clown who was intent upon making others laugh while tears streamed down his cheeks, we shortchange ourselves when we fail to deal with negative events and emotions.

Suzy Sunshine and Hilarious Harry

The perpetually smiling individual is great to be around when life is good but hard to deal with when disappointments strike. Typically filled with platitudes (trite remarks used too often to be meaningful or interesting), Suzy Sunshine and Hilarious Harry rely on stock phrases to offer encouragement in times of stress . “Don’t worry; there are lots of jobs out there” is meant to cheer up a recently fired, depressed friend, but the reassurance typically falls on deaf ears when someone is depressed, and the rosy job forecast may not be true.

“He’s in a better place,” said to a grieving friend who has just lost her husband, can come across as hollow and insincere and often does little to provide comfort. Unless the bereaved is a staunch believer in an afterlife and the departed husband was a saint, such platitudes can be discordant, jarring, and difficult to absorb. One woman who had just lost her daughter to suicide was so upset by her friend’s thoughtless remark about the daughter being in a better place that she ended their relationship on the spot. People feel misunderstood when their disappointment, grief , or bitterness is not acknowledged; the failure to empathize with another’s unhappiness tends to create interpersonal barriers.

Processing Negative Feelings

Why is it important to process our own negative feelings? Because strong negative emotions have much energy accompanying them, these emotions need to be worked through, or the emotions can get locked into habitual ways of thinking and being. Strong negative emotions prepare the body physiologically for action, and when action is not possible or desirable, they ordinarily fuel negative thoughts or they spill over into tears.

Working through or processing feelings means experiencing the emotions, not wallowing in them, and letting all the accompanying thoughts pass through awareness until we arrive on the other side. “Why was I so disappointed that I didn’t get that new job?” or “What did he mean to me that I am so distraught over his rejection?” are frequently experienced questions that lead to resolution. In this reflective manner, negative emotions lose some of their energy, and we become open to other, more positive perspectives. Unless negative feelings are processed—that is, experienced, thought about, and resolved—they can create psychological symptoms, poor judgment, displaced anger , and/or low frustration tolerance. Road rage, which is sweeping the U.S. highways, is one current example of unhealthy narcissism and misdirected anger that results from unresolved feelings that belong elsewhere.

Denial, Psychological Symptoms, and Impaired Judgment

Among the psychological symptoms that unprocessed feelings frequently create are panic attacks, anxiety disorders, unresolved grief reactions, and depressive disorders. One young woman in her mid-20s came into psychotherapy complaining of panic attacks that began shortly after a one-night stand ended badly. She was intoxicated at the time and her sexual partner, an admired acquaintance, left abruptly in the middle of the night without saying a word. While she had strong feelings about her partner and his rejection, she denied that his behavior meant anything to her. Every time she saw him at a bar, though, she had a full-blown panic attack.

Similarly, a young college student, whose father had died suddenly a year earlier, had intense panic reactions upon seeing middle-aged men of a certain body build on the street who resembled his father. While the young man said he felt nothing at the time of his father’s death, it was shortly thereafter that his symptoms began.

In another situation, an elderly woman in her 70s could not tolerate negative events and feelings. Often commenting that talking about such events left her depressed, she would change the topic to a happier note whenever a negative subject, such as pain or mortality, came up in conversations. Her inability to tolerate the dark side of life left her agoraphobic (fearful of crowded streets and other public places). In addition, her Pollyanna attitude interfered with her judgment, resulting in her making poor decisions about important life events, such as the ongoing care of her mentally impaired daughter. As a result, she failed to get her the medical care she needed, which inadvertently led to her daughter's prolonged incapacity.

Processing the negative feelings that occur shortly after tragedies is vital in reducing the long-term impact of disasters. For example, after sudden amputations that occur as a result of diabetes, poor circulation, or accidents, amputees routinely go through a series of stages akin to Kubler-Ross’ stages of grief. In one dramatic instance, a patient bypassed the initial stage of mourning during his first week at a rehab facility and talked positively about how supportive his family was and how well his life was going. During the second week, however, the amputee experienced an impulse to jump out of the second-floor window, saying that the only thing that stopped him was his fear of heights . While the impulse seemed to come out of the blue, it was the residual of the unacknowledged grief and hopelessness he experienced at some level.

essay on positive thinking in life

For chronic complainers and other chronically negative people, exercises in positive thinking are often beneficial. Focusing on the positives in their lives can be a way of changing the habitual course of their thinking. In addition, being grateful for life’s blessings is a healthy pursuit for all of us that can create humility and goodness in the world. Positivity in general is a valuable trait.

However, positive thinking is not the cure for all of life’s disasters. When positive thinking bypasses the processing of negative events, it can limit our thinking and stifle internal resources. Happy talk often short-circuits our ability to plan for disasters that are lying just ahead; it interferes with problem-solving and action. In addition, not working through negative feelings can lead to anxiety, depression , other psychological symptoms, alienated relationships, and impaired judgment.

This post is adapted from an essay, “Positive Thinking Isn’t All It’s Cracked Up to Be,” published in BEYOND PIPE DREAMS AND PLATITUDES: Insights on Love, Luck, and Narcissism from a Longtime Psychologist, Outskirts Press, 2021.

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D.

Geraldine K. Piorkowski, Ph.D. , is a retired clinical psychologist and former Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the counseling centers at Roosevelt University and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

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essay on positive thinking in life

by Sophia Smith

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How positive thinking can change your life.

How Positive Thinking Can Change Your Life

For a long time, I have been a slave to my own negative thoughts. I cannot imagine how many times I have held myself back and how many missed opportunities are on my regrets list. Many of mine friends were calling me foolish for not believing in myself or anything else, for that matter, and I thought they just do not realize the reality.

With some self-reflection, I have realized, however, that some people are born with “the glass is half full” attitude, while others need a certain dose of maturity, a breaking point or some self-teaching to fill up their half-empty glass.

Once I realized how much my attitude can affect my life flow, I made a firm decision to change it, and I am working on it each day.

How I encourage change in mindset on a daily basis.

Learning to be thankful.

An important part of cultivating positive thinking is being aware of what you have and being thankful for that, so I start each day with my cup of coffee and a piece of paper and a pen. Every day I write down everything I am grateful for.

I start with the little things, like “There was no rain yesterday”, “I found a free seat in public transport”, “My favorite cake”, “A colleague at work said I look beautiful today”, etc. After, I take some time to write down all “the big things” that make my life great, such as, “I have amazing family”, “My friends love me”, “I am healthy”…

Changing the Perspective

Sometimes, the whole world seems gray, but when you change your perspective, you will see that the sun is shining after all. I like to do that by talking with other people and understanding their point of view.

Another way is by reading smart, well-written and illuminating books . I have read many of them, but the three that really had influence on my life are “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrne, “Who Will Cry When You Die” by Robin Sharma and “Thinking Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman.

When everything else fails I change perspective, by changing my surroundings. The everyday routine can really start to suffocate me, so I take a walk in the park, get a day off and go on a really short road trip, etc.

Self-Improvement

One of the things that got me the most depressed was the fact that I am getting old and that there is no more room for getting better. As I was exploring the possibilities of developing various forms of intelligence, I have learned that the brain can develop through life. I am practicing my verbal and emotional intelligence by reading often and participating in conversations. I draw and paint to improve my spatial intelligence, dance to improve my musical and physical intelligence, etc.

I consider that logical intelligence is one of the most important, so I am dedicating a lot of time to it, by reading books dedicated to it, challenging myself to solve logical problems and playing a lot of games which require logical thinking, such as chess and online Sudoku games .

Healthy Life – Positive Thoughts

If there is anything I have realized in my journey towards positive thinking, it’s that eating hamburger and fries while binge watching a TV show, will not get me anywhere. On the contrary, it will only make me feel more negative.

A healthy balanced diet, on the other side, is great for fueling the body. Physical activities, such as walking and exercising, are making me feel ready for all the challenges ahead. The most important message conveyed by a hard day workout is: “I can do it”.

A change in the mindset has drastically changed my entire life. Now, I feel more prepared for all the challenges ahead, and I truly believe that I can do it!

About the Author: Sophia Smith

Sophia is Australian based beauty, lifestyle and health blogger. She is very passionate about organic beauty products, healthy lifestyle and personal development. She is regular contributor at High Style Life.

Find her on  Twitter , Facebook , and  Google +

I really like your attitude towards life. It’s true that to make life more cheerful we need to change own surrounding, think positive.

People with a positive attitude are happier, more resilient, better decision-makers, and perform at a higher level than those with a negative attitude. People can attain positive attitude with these ideas. Well done Sophia. I love your content. Keep up the good work.

This was very inspirational i lead a positive thinking group for mental health. This is a good example on what positive thinking is. I will use it in my group.

Positive attitude is life’s treasure! Coming from the heart instead of the head is more rewarding. When you come from love all things are possible. Share eveything you have and smile. The joy of giving will enhance your life. People will show up and enhance your life! Challenges are best handled by living in the mystery. Stay focused on the positive and fill your heart with love and then let go…watch what happens. .. Paula Biondo ~ Hilton Head Island Spa & Wellness. …

I seriously want to know from your experience that is it really possible to let our dreams come true by having positive perspective towards that . And how can i bring the love back into my life which is lost somewhere unknown

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The more we treat anxiety as a problem, or as something to be avoided, the more we inadvertently turn them away from the safe, growthful, brave things that drive it. On the other hand, when we make space for anxiety, let it in, welcome it, be with it, the more we make way for them to recognise that anxiety isn’t something they need to avoid. They can feel anxious and do brave. As long as they are safe, let them know this. Let them see you believing them that this feels big, and believing in them, that they can handle the big. ‘Yes this feels scary. Of course it does - you’re doing something important/ new/ hard. I know you can do this. How can I help you feel brave?’♥️

essay on positive thinking in life

I’ve loved working with @sccrcentre over the last 10 years. They do profoundly important work with families - keeping connections, reducing clinflict, building relationships - and they do it so incredibly well. @sccrcentre thank you for everything you do, and for letting me be a part of it. I love what you do and what you stand for. Your work over the last decade has been life-changing for so many. I know the next decade will be even more so.♥️ In their words … Posted @withregram • @sccrcentre Over the next fortnight, as we prepare to mark our 10th anniversary (28 March), we want to re-share the great partners we’ve worked with over the past decade. We start today with Karen Young of Hey Sigmund. Back in 2021, when we were still struggling with covid and lockdowns, Karen spoke as part of our online conference on ‘Strengthening the relationship between you & your teen’. It was a great talk and I’m delighted that you can still listen to it via the link in the bio. Karen also blogged about our work for the Hey Sigmund website in 2018. ‘How to Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Children and Teens by Understanding Their Unique Brain Chemistry (by SCCR)’, which is still available to read - see link in bio. #conflictresolution #conflict #families #family #mediation #earlyintervention #decade #anniversary #digital #scotland #scottish #cyrenians #psychology #relationships #children #teens #brain #brainchemistry #neuroscience

I often go into schools to talk to kids and teens about anxiety and big feelings. I always ask, ‘Who’s tried breathing through big feels and thinks it’s a load of rubbish?’ Most of them put their hand up. I put my hand up too, ‘Me too,’ I tell them, ‘I used to think the same as you. But now I know why it didn’t work, and what I needed to do to give me this powerful tool (and it’s so powerful!) that can calm anxiety, anger - all big feelings.’ The thing is though, all powertools need a little instruction and practice to use them well. Breathing is no different. Even though we’ve been breathing since we were born, we haven’t been strong breathing through big feelings. When the ‘feeling brain’ is upset, it drives short shallow breathing. This is instinctive. In the same ways we have to teach our bodies how to walk, ride a bike, talk, we also have to teach our brains how to breathe during big feelings. We do this by practising slow, strong breathing when we’re calm. We also have to make the ‘why’ clear. I talk about the ‘why’ for strong breathing in Hey Warrior, Dear You Love From Your Brain, and Ups and Downs. Our kids are hungry for the science, and they deserve the information that will make this all make sense. Breathing is like a lullaby for the amygdala - but only when it’s practised lots during calm.♥️

When it’s time to do brave, we can’t always be beside them, and we don’t need to be. What we can do is see them and help them feel us holding on, even in absence, while we also believe in their brave.♥️

When it’s time to do brave, we can’t always be beside them, and we don’t need to be. What we can do is see them and help them feel us holding on, even in absence, while we also believe in their brave.♥️

Honestly isn’t this the way it is for all of us though?♥️ #childanxiety #parenting #separationanxiety

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Essay On Positive Thinking: IELTS Practice Samples

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Mrinal Mandal

The International English Language System or IELTS exam aims to test the exam taker based on their English language proficiency. There are multiple sections– Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking in the exam to check the different levels of the English language.

Out of these sections, it can get complicated for students to cope with the writing section since it requires practice and skill. Going through some sample answers  on positive thinking and other common questions is a great way to better your chances of scoring well in the exam.

Table of Contents

Q: what is your take on positive thinking, do you believe in positive thinking, frequently asked questions, important ielts exam resources, essay on positive thinking: samples.

Are you an optimistic thinker, or do you have a pessimistic approach to life? 

This might sound like a simple question, but the answer is not easy. Sometimes life is harsh and unfair, and all you gather are negative thoughts that can push you to only think of the bad outcomes. 

But as the common saying goes, sometimes, when life gives you lemons, you have no choice but to make the best lemonade. So, facing a difficulty doesn't mean you go through it smiling and without a speck of doubt. Instead, it means that even with those negative thoughts, you do not give up your courage and will to fight the situation. 

This is not the same as adopting toxic positivity. I remember my school teacher saying, 'Don't cry; crying makes you appear weak.' This thought and sentiment ruled most of my teenage life. However, now as an adult, I understand that the key to positive thinking lies in being open to negativity and, most importantly, accepting your negative emotions.

Having said that, you must try to look at the brighter side of the situation along with managing your negative emotions. Sometimes, you might not see a brighter side; you should know it most often always exists. So, be open, embrace your failure and negative emotions, and realize genuine positivity lies in seeing the good no matter how low you feel.

Word count: 231

Tentative Band Score: 6.5

Read More Essay Samples For IELTS :

I have always believed that we must be positive in all situations, irrespective of our surroundings and the probable outcomes. Seeing life through pink glasses is the answer to a happy life, and that is how one should lead it. Over the years, I realized that sitting in a pool of negativity has only attracted more of it towards me and my life. On the other hand, trying to have a positive mindset is a way better solution to dealing with your problems.

But how can you do that? 

Studies say that the number one cause of negative thoughts and depression is not being active and having a sedentary lifestyle. So, in simple terms, if you want to be happy, try to engage in some dance form or exercise. Sometimes even a walk in the park can go a long way in lifting your mood and allowing you to think positively.

Secondly, positive thinking is a mindset that you need to build yourself. It is not easy to find goodness in a challenging situation or during a gloomy period of your life. Once you try getting into the habit of doing so, you will be better trained to handle a tricky situation. 

So, from now on, whenever you feel you are stuck and in a low phase, try to look at the positives. You can also list things you are grateful for to feel better and pumped about your life. Additionally, participating in hobbies and listening to the songs you love is a great habit of increasing the serotonin or happy hormones in the body and making you indulge in positive thinking.

Word count: 272

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Do you think our environment defines whether you think positively or not?

Our environment can define our thinking to a certain extent. One's personality or outlook on life usually brings in positive or negative thinking. A person who thinks positively will continue to do so even in the most challenging situations. On the other hand, a depressed person will still be sad on the most eventful day of their life. 

Having said that, however, if exposed to a negative environment for too long, one might be influenced to think negatively.

Have you tried any methods to indulge in positive thinking?

Trying to be grateful for everything in your life is an excellent step toward positive thinking. Sometimes we don't understand how blessed we are or ignore the little things that bring us happiness. But reflecting on the same will most often make you feel much better.

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Picking the best IELTS books for preparation is essential for scoring well. It may seem tough at first but cracking the examination successfully is not impossible.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

Writing task 2 in IELTS is descriptive essay writing. The applicants are supposed to write an essay in response to the statement or situation given in the essay.

Tips for IELTS Writing

Before appearing for the test, let’s take a look at the below-mentioned IELTS writing tips and tricks to score well in the writing section.

Reading Section IELTS

Reading is the second part of the IELTS test and takes 60 minutes. It consists of three or sometimes four reading passages to increase difficulty, and there are a total of 40 questions to answer.

IELTS Speaking Preparation

Please note that your performance on the speaking test is assessed based on the following criteria- fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation.

Phrases for IELTS Speaking

There are many phrases for IELTS speaking that a candidate should practice beforehand. If you aim for band 9, you should know these phrases.

  • IELTS Band Score Chart

IELTS is one of the most used English Language Proficiency Tests. The exam is scored in bands. Your IELTS band score determines the performance level of your test.

  • IELTS Band Score

Understanding the IELTS band score is not difficult. The results of the examination are reported on a scale of 9 bands.

  • IELTS Slot Booking

To book the IELTS exam, the candidates can either visit their nearest test center or book the slot online by visiting the official website of IDP. If they choose to go with the second option, they should follow the steps given below.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

IELTS Academic writing is meant for students who are applying for top-ranked universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. The writing task one is an academic summary writing based on diagrammatic and graphical representation.

  • IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing section of IELTS, where aspirants are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to write an essay in response to the question.

Writing Task 1 IELTS

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 starts with a diagram, a visual representation of information. It can be a table, map, graph, process, diagram, or picture.

IELTS Essay Samples

The essay for IELTS is part of Writing Task 2. It is the same for the General Training and Academic of the IELTS. You will get a topic and have to write an essay on the same.

IELTS Cue Cards

The IELTS speaking cue cards come into play for the second part when the candidate will be choosing cue cards and then speaking on a topic for two minutes at least.

Important Exams

Important ielts essay resources, get free consultation for ielts, trending searches, university ranking, university acceptance rate.

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Home — Essay Samples — Power of Positive Thinking

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Power of Positive Thinking

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essay on positive thinking in life

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  1. Essay On Positive Thinking in English for Students

    FAQ of Essay on Positive Thinking. Question 1: What is positive thinking? Answer 1: Positive thinking is basically an optimistic attitude. In other words, it is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. This kind of thinking can have a big impact on your physical and mental health.

  2. Essay on Positive Thinking

    Positive thinking can play a significant role in every individual's life. Long Essay on Positive Thinking 400 Words. Introduction to Positive Thinking Essay: Positive thinking is an attitude that helps a person highlight the brighter side of their life and helps to lead a healthy and happy life. Positive thinking brings an immense amount of ...

  3. Benefits of Positive Thinking for Body and Mind

    Improved Wellness. Not only can positive thinking impact the ability to cope with stress and compromise immunity, but it also has an impact on overall well-being. Specifically, it is tied to a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular issues, lower depression risk, and an increased lifespan. While researchers aren't entirely clear on why ...

  4. Positive thinking: Reduce stress by eliminating negative self-talk

    Positive thinking often starts with self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information or expectations due ...

  5. Positive Thinking: Definition, Benefits, and How to Practice

    Positive thinking is important because it can have a beneficial impact on both physical and mental well-being. People who maintain a more positive outlook on life cope better with stress, have better immunity, and have a lower risk of premature death. Positive thinking also helps promote greater feelings of happiness and overall satisfaction ...

  6. The Power of Positive Thinking

    Meaning, we'll have to tell ourselves it was only a dream, that it didn't actually happen. The power our thoughts have over our feelings bleeds into our everyday lives, too. Life is not always ...

  7. Concept and Importance of the Positive Thinking Essay

    Positive thinking helps build deeper and better relationships that are founded on trust, great understanding and support (Peale, 2003, p.54). In addition, this helps create a healthier lifestyle because being at peace with friends, family and society gives peace of mind that is important for a good life. It eradicates anxiety and fear because ...

  8. The Power of Positivity

    Here are some examples to help you use the power of positivity in your life. ... E. C. (2002). The positive psychology of negative thinking. Journal of clinical psychology, 58(9), 993-1001. More ...

  9. Positive Thinking and Its Benefits

    Improving your health. Positive thinking comes with certain advantages. They include increased lifespan, reduced risk of suffering from heart attacks and the ability to fight depression. Researchers believe that avoiding stress helps people live healthy lives (Quilliam 2008).

  10. Positive Thinking: We Should Always Be Positive Essay

    Positive Thinking. Positive thinking helps a person maintain a belief that despite the difficulties, they will succeed in life. According to Planck, "when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change" (as cited in Sturmberg, 2019, p. 3). This is simply another assertion in an ever-increasing avalanche of optimism.

  11. 9 Ways to Think Positive

    Reduced frailty during old age: Positive thinking can help you have less frailty during old age, according to a study of 1,558 adults. It can also boost resilience and life satisfaction in older ...

  12. How to Be More Positive

    Better mental well-being: Positive people tend to have better overall mental health. They're less likely to experience anxiety or depression. They are also more resilient in the face of life's challenges. During difficult times, being more positive can help create a buffer against the negative effects of stress.

  13. Positive Thinking Isn't Always the Best Way to Go

    Focusing on the positives in their lives can be a way of changing the habitual course of their thinking. In addition, being grateful for life's blessings is a healthy pursuit for all of us that ...

  14. The Power of Positive Thinking

    A positive attitude becomes the cause of positive emotions, including joy, love, and happiness. A positive-minded person has better relationships with family, friends, and society in general. Moreover, it is an opportunity to get rid of fears and doubts and to increase stress resistance (Time 45). If you regularly practice positive thinking ...

  15. Transforming Your Life Through Positive Thinking

    A positive outlook improves outcomes and increases satisfaction with life in many more situations, including traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, and stroke. Stress reduces lifespan, by ...

  16. Essay about Positive Thinking

    Positive thinking leads to a state of calm, peace, joy, happiness, vibrant energy, and optimism. Positive thinking causes people to smile. Thirdly, is to go in the right direction to achieve what you want. Thinking positively brings clarity of mind and a courageous attitude, so starting new projects or going on with existing ones becomes an ...

  17. How Positive Thinking Can Change Your Life

    Physical activities, such as walking and exercising, are making me feel ready for all the challenges ahead. The most important message conveyed by a hard day workout is: "I can do it". A change in the mindset has drastically changed my entire life. Now, I feel more prepared for all the challenges ahead, and I truly believe that I can do it!

  18. The Power of a Positive Mindset: [Essay Example], 1886 words

    Positivity means 'thinking optimistically, looking for solutions, expecting good results and success, and focusing and making life happier.'. When you think of positivity, the things that pop to your head are smiling, happiness, and being cheerful, but that's not all of it. Happiness is a mood and positivity is a mindset.

  19. Essay On Positive Thinking: IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples

    Essay On Positive Thinking: Samples Q: What is your take on positive thinking? ... One's personality or outlook on life usually brings in positive or negative thinking. A person who thinks positively will continue to do so even in the most challenging situations. On the other hand, a depressed person will still be sad on the most eventful day ...

  20. Essay on Positive Thinking

    Positive thinking can play a significant role in every individual's life. Long Essay on Positive Thinking 400 Words. Introduction to Positive Thinking Essay: Positive thinking is an attitude that helps a person highlight the brighter side of their life and helps to lead a healthy and happy life. Positive thinking brings an immense amount of ...

  21. Power of Positive Thinking: [Essay Example], 50 words

    Bonnie and Clyde Film: Scene Analysis Example Essay. In this analytical paper example analyzes a pivotal scene in the film "Bonnie and Clyde," highlighting its cinematic significance and thematic depth. The essay delves into how these elements contribute to the film's [...] "Capitalism: A Love Story": Summary Essay.

  22. The Benefits Of Positive Thinking For Students

    2. Increased Motivation and Productivity: Positive thinking fuels motivation and productivity in students. When students believe in their abilities and have a positive outlook on their potential ...

  23. Essay on Positive Thinking

    Formation of constructive attitude: Positive thinking helps us ascertain the plus side of good actions. It helps us find out the merits in others by virtue of which we became acceptable in every society. 2. Confidence-building: Positive thinking builds our self-esteem and self-worth.