We all have plenty of thoughts. Some of them are big, while others are small. Some make us feel happy, and others make us feel sad or uncomfortable.
What Are Thoughts?
Thoughts are like pictures or ideas in our minds. They can be about anything: what we ate last time, how we feel about something that happened, or even dreams about the future. They often come and go, and sometimes we don’t even notice them. But even though thoughts seem like small and everyday things they have a big impact on us.
Thoughts and Feelings
Have you ever noticed how a thought can change how you feel? For example, imagine you think about something you’re excited about, like going on vacation. Just thinking about it might make you happy. On the other hand, if you think about something that worries you, like an upcoming exam, you might feel stressed.
Our thoughts and feelings are connected. When we have positive thoughts, we usually feel better while when we have negative thoughts we may feel down. This is why it’s important to be aware of the kinds of thoughts we are having. If we focus on positive thoughts, we can feel more calm and happy.
Thoughts and Actions
Our thoughts don’t just affect our feelings; they also affect how we act. If you think you are capable of doing something, you are more likely to try and succeed. For example, if you believe you can learn a new skill, like playing an instrument or learning a language, you will put in the effort to practice. On the other hand, if you think, “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never be able to do it,” you might not even try.
The way we think can hold us back or help us move forward.
Positive vs Negative Thoughts
We all have both positive and negative thoughts and that’s normal. But it’s important to focus on positive thoughts as much as possible. Positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect, but it means looking for solutions and keeping hope even when things get tough.
For example, if you face a difficult situation, like failing a test, it can be easy to think, “I’m terrible at this. I’ll never get better.” This kind of thinking can make you feel hopeless. But if you change your thought to something like, “I didn’t do well this time, but I can study harder and try again”, it can make you feel more motivated and hopeful.
Positive thinking helps you see opportunities and solutions rather than problems. It gives you the strength to keep going even when things don’t go straight.
How to Change Your Thoughts
If you realize that your thoughts are negative don’t worry. You can change them with practice. Here are a few keys to do that:
1. Be Aware of Your Thoughts: The first step is to pay attention to what you’re thinking. Are you being too hard on yourself? Are you thinking about what you can’t do instead of what you can do?
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you have a negative thought ask yourself if it’s true. For example, if you think “I’m not good enough” ask yourself “Is that true? What have I done well in the past?”. This can help you see things from a different perspective.
3. Practice Gratitude: Focusing on what you’re thankful for can help shift your mindset. Even on tough days, think about at least one thing you’re grateful for. This small change can help you feel more positive and happy.
4. Surround Yourself with Positivity: The people and things around you can influence your thoughts. Try to spend time with people who lift you and be around things that make you feel happy and calm like music, nature, or art.
5. Use Positive Affirmations: Telling yourself positive things like “I am capable” or “I can handle challenges” can help train your mind to think more positively.
Thoughts and Our Future
The way we think today can influence what happens in the future. If we always think negatively, it can limit our opportunities and stop us from trying new things. But if we focus on positive thoughts, we are more likely to take chances, learn new things, and grow. Our thoughts can help us reach our goals and become the person we want.
For example, if you think “I want to be a writer” and believe it’s possible, you will likely take steps to make that dream come true. You might write more, read books about writing, or join a writing group. But if you think “I’m not good enough to be a writer” you may never even try.