Life will not be all plain sailing. Indeed, hardship, trials and tribulations are part and parcel of being. Encountering difficulty is not a bad thing, the main concern is the way we deal with it. A positive frame of mind is imperative for so many reasons. Positive thinking is proven to increase performance in efficiency and quality. We are usually more confident and do better when we are feeling good and well.

I have found biological examples of this. A positive frame of mind is due to increased levels of neuro transmitters like serotonin that regulate the efficiency capabilities of the mind. The knock effects of a positive frame of mind also include enhanced health not only better mental health but better in the physical sense aswell. This is due to the increase to the immune system that a positive frame of mind can give you.

The reverse is also true, if we are depressed we are far more liable to contracting other diseases and mental health issues. Our relationships with people deteriorate, we start to think irrationally and our confidents can reduce. In short this is a frame of mind that is best to avoid at all costs. Feeling depressed from time to time is not uncommon but how we decide to deal with an issue comes from our state of mind.

A positive mental attitude is also about giving you a can do attitude. Those who think positively are more likely to see challenges instead of problems or possibilities as opposed to difficulties. For example, entrepreneurs that are successful usually are because they are able to spot opportunities for growth in a marketplace which others only see problems in. The positive mental attitude of a successful individual means that opportunity becomes a reality; because they also have the drive and motivation to succeed and make their vision come true. So as you can see there is much to be gained from a positive mental attitude. The issue for a lot of people is in developing one in the first place.

Creating a positive frame of mind is not some new aged trend. For ages religious men and scholars alike sought out and created skills to harness an inner harmony. While this may have begun to make humanity closer to god the essence of this idea is just as relevant these days. That a positive frame of mind makes us closer to the divine while a negative frame of mind can only steer us in to ways of being which are a detriment to our lives. Monks realised this long ago which is why they devote themselves to a life of abstinence and mental and spiritual fulfilment.

One of the simplest ways to determine your frame of mind is to think of how you are with other people. A good way to do this is to picture how you behave towards people you do not know. Are you confident and open to meeting and talking with other people? Or are you insular and shy. Believe it or not one of the best ways to overcome a negative frame of mind is to change your mindset to the world around you and that means the people in it too. If you are usually awkward around other people then try this experiment.

One night make yourself to strike up a conversation at random in a public place. Do not be concerned about how you look or appear or what you discuss. A reference about the weather or anything will do. Just try it and note how you feel afterwards.

You see, how you are with people will have an effect on the opportunities you get offered. Consider it like this who is the most likely to get a job between two people of equivalent ability and experience except for one difference, One is uptight and uncomforable with other people and the other is easy going and comfortable with other people. If I was the boss I know which one I would pick for the Job.

Do you suffer from a negative frame of mind? If so check out Quentin’s blog on Overcoming social anxiety.