by Dianne Murphy-Rodgers

Created on: March 04, 2008

Being positive is a state of mind and the human mind is awesome. It forges a new pathway between neurones every time we think, say or do something. If we repeat the thought, word or action, our mind engraves these pathways, making it easier to do in the future. If we avoid certain thoughts and actions, the neural pathways will eventually be taken up by another activity.

The power of words is amazing. The pen is mightier than the sword, after all. Changing the way you look at life can be as simple as changing the words you use to describe it. Any negative can be changed into a positive with a little imagination. And staying positive is easy when you get into the habit of it.

Avoid the word "can't" like the plague. This word is banned from our house, unless it's followed by the words, "... but I'll find out how I can." You can do anything you set your mind to, if you want to.

Even "I don't know" can be dramatically changed by adding the word "...yet."

Don't limit yourself by using words like "should" or "shouldn't" but ask yourself instead, "Who says so?"

"Shoulda, coulda, woulda ..." Crazy! Just do it!

Nothing is "impossible." If you don't believe this, read some autobiographies or true stories about inspirational people. (There are plenty of them in the world.)

Avoid referring to your life or yourself with negative words. Don't use any kind of derogatory label ("I'm fat/ugly/stupid ...") and put a positive spin on character traits. "Stubborn" becomes "determined" in a positive mind. Someone who is "fussy" becomes someone "with high expectations."

(Note: Obviously when it's your own personality you're considering, rather than someone else's, it's a good idea to bear in mind that the trait itself will probably need a little work, rather than simply being renamed.)

Never (ever) call yourself a "failure." Thomas Edison once said: "I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that don't work." If you try something that doesn't work, try it again a different way.

"Mistakes" can be made into "lessons" with a little self-awareness and consideration.

Words are the expression of our intentions. If we put our intentions out into the world, they stand a good chance of being realized. If we expect the best we very often get it. And the same goes for expecting the worst.

We choose to be positive or negative. We can't always change events or situations in life, but we can definitely choose how we will react to them, how we will engage with them. Actively looking for the positive in life is a useful skill to nurture. Using positive words in our vocabulary (and avoiding negative words) is a great way to start.

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