The Power of Positive Thinking

[영어도우미]

The Power of Positive Thinking

Why Think Positively?

 
All of our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. We are in control, whether we know it or not.    
    
Aim high and do your best   
We can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, active or passive.
 
The biggest difference between people is their attitudes. For some, learning is enjoyable and exciting. For others, learning is a drudgery. For many, learning is just okay, something required on the road to a job. 

Our present attitudes are habits, built from the feedback of parents, friends, society and self, that form our self-image and our world-image.
 
These attitudes are maintained by the inner conversations we constantly have with ourselves, both consciously and subconsciously.
 
The first step in changing our attitudes is to change our inner conversations.

What Should We Be Saying?
 
One approach is called the three C's: Commitment, Control and Challenge.
 
Commitment
Make a positive commitment to yourself, to learning, work, family, friends, nature, and other worthwhile causes. Praise yourself and others. Dream of success. Be enthusiastic.
 
Control
Keep your mind focused on important things. Set goals and priorities for what you think and do. Visualize to practice your actions. Develop a strategy for dealing with problems. Learn to relax. Enjoy successes. Be honest with yourself.
 
Challenge
Be courageous. Change and improve each day. Do your best and don't look back. See learning and change as opportunities. Try new things. Consider several options. Meet new people. Ask lots of questions. Keep track of your mental and physical health. Be optimistic.
 
Studies show that people with these characteristics are winners in good times and survivors in hard times.
 
Research shows that,
"... people who begin consciously to modify their inner conversations and assumptions report an almost immediate improvement in their performance. Their energy increases and things seem to go better ..."
 
Commitment, control and challenge help build self-esteem and promote positive thinking. Here are some other suggestions.

7 Suggestions for Building Positive Attitudes

In every class, look for positive people to associate with.
In every lecture, look for one more interesting idea.
In every chapter, find one more concept important to you.
With every friend, explain a new idea you've just learned.
With every teacher, ask a question.
With yourself, keep a list of your goals, positive thoughts and actions.
Remember, you are what you think, you feel what you want.   

VOCABULARY LIST :

internal - the inside or inner part

subconscious - the part of the mind below the level of conscious perception

enthusiastic - having or showing great excitement and interest

drudgery - menial, distasteful, dull, or hard work.

passive - not involving visible reaction or active participation

courageous - brave

assumption - the act of taking for granted

DISCUSSION POINTS :

1. Would you consider yourself an optimist (positive thinker), or a pessimist (negative thinker). Why?

2. What are the advantages of staying positive at all times? Please explain.

3. Do you think it is a difficult task to stay positive most of the time? Why or why not?

4. How does a positive attitude help you in your daily life? Please explain.

5. Why do you think there are people who think so negatively? Please explain.

6. How can a negative attitude affect our daily lives? Please explain.

7. Among the 7 suggestions of building positive attitudes, which have you practiced?

8. Which among commitment, control and challenge do you think you already have? Explain further.