Perseverance may be something to practice while striving to achieve a desired result, but this week, I want to talk about perseverance in a more internal manner. Self-determination can help in achieving many goals. How about having a desire to achieve a habit of positive thinking no matter what life brings? Hmmmm, I don’t know if it’s possible to NEVER have a negative thought, but I sure do know individuals who always seem to be very close to displaying such positive attitudes. There are occurrences in life that are beyond our control. However, we do have authority over how we choose to think about those occurrences. If negative thinking is a habit, it may take much perseverance to reverse that habit. For some people, positive thinking comes more naturally. For others, pessimism may be normal practice. If this is you, making a change will be very beneficial. Here’s why:
First off, negative thinking contributes to negative health effects. Hormonal changes can occur simply because of negative emotions. These negative emotions are a result of the negativity brewing in the mind. Positive thoughts bring forth hormones like endorphins.
Secondly, if you think negatively about a situation, the situation will not improve. So let’s think about that. You may have heard people say things like, “If you say you can’t then you won’t.” That’s because your own thinking will determine your behavior. Reciting all the reasons why something won’t work will only convince someone there’s no point in trying. Perhaps there is an effort and the moment it doesn’t work out right away, there’s surrender instead of persistence. On the contrary, if we believe in the power of persistence and remember other sayings like “If at first, you don’t succeed, try try again,” while thinking positively about future outcomes, efforts may prove just that.
Thirdly, positive thinking can aid in the process of forgiveness. I’ve had some things happen to me that many people in the same situation find it either unforgivable or very difficult to obtain. Although I may not have thought of those occurrences as positive, by not allowing myself to constantly think negative about those who’ve hurt me, having empathy, and understanding that hurt people hurt people has allowed me to be able to forgive. Without forgiveness, I would be stuck reoccurring those acts in my mind and unable to move forward to enjoy life.
So now, I have to tell you about my grandmother. Nana has her negative moments, but when it comes to her quality of life, she is such an indefatigable optimist! I tell you what; I wholeheartedly believe that’s the reason why she always seems to bounce back from anything! At eighty-nine years old, nothing can touch her and when something does happen, I swear she wills herself back to health. I can’t tell you how many times she says, “Everything is going to be okay.” Then it always turns out all right. She even talks positively about death, stating how grateful she is to have had a good life full of blessings, and “If it’s time to go, it’s time to go.” I also believe her habitual mindset is the reason for her younger appearance. Buoyancy over Botox!
Our positive thinking will help us with perseverance towards our goals. Because once you believe you can achieve, you will succeed! So why not first persevere in training the mind. If you’re a pessimist, practice positive thinking, and when you have setbacks, just keep on trying. Change your stinkn’ thinkn’ and persevere in positive perceptions. It could help improve your health, happiness, and handiwork.
LC
