Positive thinking is a skill that can be learned

In the world of training, there is a constant discussion about what constitutes a learnable and trainable skill and what falls into the realm of motivation or determination. For example, I can train a sales manager with the knowledge and skills that can help them better train sales reps. However, I can’t train a sales manager to be motivated to use those skills.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about whether positive thinking is a skill that can be learned and trained or if it depends entirely on the motivation of the individual. It is fair to call any skill that can be improved with practice or additional knowledge a learnable skill.

By this definition, positive thinking meets the criteria. There are techniques that can be taught that can help people see the world or themselves in a more positive way. A couple that I have used successfully over the years are thought stopping and dialing.

Stopping the thought involves mentally or verbally saying “stop” when a negative or unwanted thought comes to mind. Sometimes the process requires you to say “stop” multiple times to interrupt the negative thought. This process is most effective when you can replace the negative thought or visualization with one that is positive or healthy. This technique is effective for people struggling with depression, obsessive thoughts, or addiction. However, anyone can use it in their daily life. The fact that he’s not dealing with a serious mental condition makes him that much more effective.

Ticking is another way to stop negative thoughts and start a positive thinking program. When we are affected by negative thoughts, we often don’t realize how many times during the day we think negative thoughts to ourselves (negative self-talk). For some, there is a constant stream of negative thoughts, self-criticism, and criticism of everyone and everything around them. Because we are what we think about all day, these uncontrolled thoughts spill over into their lives: their worldview, their self-esteem, and their interactions with others.

Ticking is a technique where you have a small notepad with you all day. Every time you have a negative thought, you make a mark on the notepad. Some people find it effective to categorize negative thoughts. This is an awareness tool. Once they realize how many negative thoughts run through their minds in a day, many people become motivated to do something about it. Until there is awareness there can be no action.

So, I side with those who believe that positive thinking is a learned skill. That said, it’s also a compromise. Developing a positive outlook on life has many of the same characteristics as a diet or exercise program.

First, you have to be motivated to change. Until you see negative or unmotivated thinking as a problem in your life, you won’t commit to change.

Second, you must stay in the program. If you start an exercise program, you’ll reap the benefits only as long as you continue to exercise. If you stop, your muscles will atrophy and your fitness level will drop to previous levels.

Replacing negative thinking with a positive outlook works the same way. It requires ongoing commitment and you will see the benefits only as long as you work at it. If you don’t provide consistent positive fuel and apply techniques that work for you, negative thoughts can return. Face it, we live in a society where there is a lot of negativity and fear perpetuated for various reasons. If you don’t take charge of your own thinking, it’s easy to fall into social unrest.

Third, you have to keep the end in mind. When someone goes on a diet, he will be successful as long as he continues to visualize his life at the target weight. What happens along the way is often that the demons of the present take over and throw the person off course. The dieter falls back into old habits and the diet fails. A positive thinking program has the same pitfall.

Especially when you’re using positive thinking to improve a certain area of ​​your life, it’s critical to keep the end result in mind. Your old negative thought patterns will rise up and try to throw you off course. In fact, the closer you get to your target, the more intense they can become. The only way to overcome this challenge is to keep moving step by step in your new positive direction.

Finally, you have to believe. You have to believe that change is possible. You have to believe that by using affirmations or other positive thinking approaches you can change your life and your mind. Without the belief, the commitment to reach your goal will not be there.

You can learn to be more positive or change your mind about certain aspects of your life. Once you know how the only thing left is to do it!