Who’s the Boss?
10 Ways to Start Taking Control of Your Life and Mind
When it comes to taking control of your life and mind, positive thinking can play a crucial role, especially for those with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Often, those with ADD develop negative thinking patterns due to the frustrations and overwhelming feelings that come with their challenges. This negative outlook can exacerbate difficulties and hinder progress.
Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on their strengths and achievements, which enhances happiness and motivation. This shift enables individuals to spend more time making progress and less time feeling stuck or down. Here are ten practical tips to help you cultivate positive thinking patterns and take control of your life:
1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It’s much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest. Prioritizing self-care lays a strong foundation for a positive mindset.
2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don’t seem quite as bad when you regularly remind yourself of the things that are right in your life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.
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3. Look for Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
A fear of not being liked or accepted can lead us to assume we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality. If you fear that a friend or family member’s bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you, speak up and ask them. Don’t waste time worrying unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.
4. Refrain from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner, “You’re ALWAYS late!” or complained to a friend, “You NEVER call me!”? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.
5. Detach from Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can’t hold any power over you if you don’t judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don’t follow it.
6. Squash the “ANTs” (Automatic Negative Thoughts)
In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen talks about “ANTs” – Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are reactionary thoughts like “Those people are laughing; they must be talking about me,” or “The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!” When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are just ANTs and squash them!
7. Practice Positive Physical Contact
You don’t have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One study showed that a waitress who touched some customers on the arm while handing them their checks received higher tips than from those she didn’t touch.
8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!
9. Volunteer for an Organization or Help Another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.
10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It’s never productive because it’s not rational or solution-oriented; it’s just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment—go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.
The Importance of Positive Thinking in the Workplace
In the corporate world, protocol is essential, but so is maintaining a steady mind and positive outlook. Some people thrive under pressure, but they are the exception. Most of us are human and imperfect. Allowing stress to get under our skin won’t solve our problems. Sometimes, it takes courage to admit that we’re becoming workaholics rather than doing our best.
Implementing these positive thinking strategies can help you regain control, boost your productivity, and cultivate a happier, healthier mindset. Start integrating these tips into your daily routine and experience the transformation firsthand.
Ready to take control of your life and mind? Start today and discover the power of positive thinking!
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