Positive Thinking Pocketbook

Introduction 1

PART 1: POSITIVE THINKING VS NEGATIVE THINKING 3

Understanding the power of positive and negative thinking 4

Understanding the positive intentions of negative thinking 6

Understanding narrow and broad thinking 8

Recognising the way you’re thinking 10

Recognising cognitive distortions 12

Rewiring your brain 14

Challenging your thoughts: are they helpful? 16

Challenging your thoughts: are you certain? 18

Identifying alternative perspectives 20

Moving on to positive thoughts 22

PART 2: POSITIVE THINKING AND POSITIVE ACTION 25

Having goals 26

Identifying your options 28

Taking positive steps 30

Using positive visualisation 32

Being flexible 34

Getting motivated 36

Staying motivated 38

Using positive body language 40

PART 3: MAKING POSITIVE THINKING A HABIT 43

Being appreciative 44

Being kind 46

Being generous 48

Making a contribution 50

Giving compliments 52

Indulging in small pleasures 54

Using more positive language 56

Saying ‘but’ or ‘and’ 58

Saying ‘should’ or ‘could’ 60

Being more confident 62

Being with positive people 64

Consuming positive news 66

PART 4: POSITIVE THINKING FOR DIFFICULT SITUATIONS 69

Managing disappointments and setbacks 70

Being stuck in a job you don’t like 72

Surviving trauma and tragedy 74

Dealing with being bullied 76

Having courage 78

Coping with criticism 80

Forgiving 82

Changing your mind 84

Dealing with guilt 86

Moving on from regret 88

Coping with worry and anxiety 90

Managing envy 92

Making new friends 94

Taking risks 96

Having a positive body image 98

Avoiding the blame game 100

Being non-judgemental 102

Coping with change 104

Answers to In Practice questions in Part One 106

More positive thinking quotes 108

About the author 110