"I Think I Can" - The Power of Positive Thinking

In the classic children’s story, “The Little Engine That Could,” a small engine pulls a large train over a mountain after repeating the mantra, “I think I can” over and over again and using all his strength to accomplish the task. This story teaches readers, young and old, the importance and power found in positive thinking.

Positive thinking involves being optimistic in both word and thought. It doesn’t mean that we have to ignore the challenges or troubles that come to us. Rather, we approach them with a good attitude and try to make the best of it.

Here are some ways that you can increase your positive thinking:

1. Identify specific areas you want to change. Choose one or two topics that you would like to become more positive about. Once you conquer these areas, you can add a few more.
2. Evaluate your thoughts throughout the day. Catch yourself if you start to become negative and change the direction of your thoughts.
3. Smile and laugh every day. No matter how difficult the task or day may seem there is something to enjoy. The more you can laugh, the less stressed you will feel.
4. Take care of yourself. When you are exercising and eating right, your body and mind will naturally feel better.
5. Seek optimistic friends. We tend to be like the people we surround ourselves with. If you surround yourself with happy, positive people, you will pick up on their attitudes. 
6. Engage in positive self-talk. Instead of saying something negative about how you look or something you did, focus on your successes and progress. Say to yourself, “I think I can” each morning or develop your own power statement to get you going each day.

Benefits of Positive Thinking

Don’t become discouraged if your attitudes don’t change immediately. Just like any other skill, positive thinking takes practice. Overtime though, you will see the benefits in your life.

Research has shown that positive thinking may lead to:

1. An increased lifespan
2. Lower rates of depression
3. Lower levels of distress
4. Greater resistance to the common cold
5. Better psychological and physical well-being
6. Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
7. Better coping skills during hardship and times of stress

Let positive thinking empower your life today! Look for the good and you will find it. Remember the words of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He said, "No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it."

Sources:

"Positive Thinking: Reduce Stress by Eliminating Negative Self-talk." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 May 2011. Web. 09 Apr. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/positive-thinking/SR00009>.

Uchtdorf, Dieter F. "Of Regrets and Resolutions." LDS.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013. <http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/of-regrets-and-resolutions?lang=eng>.