To Infinity and Beyond: Harnessing the Power of Positive Thinking

8 benefits of positive thinking

The idea behind the power of positive thinking is that when your mind is in a positive place, good things come into your life. Being optimistic opens you up to achieving success. Some people believe positive thinkers aren’t realists. But even if every day doesn’t go perfectly, optimists focus on the parts that did go well. With the power of positive thinking, you will attract others like you, set your business goals, and encourage one another to reach those objectives.

Here are some of the ways positive thinking can help you achieve your goals.

1. Positive thinking aids problem-solving.

Research by Barbara Fredrickson, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of Positivity (Harmony, 2009), found that people who think positively have a greater capacity to embrace new information. This improves people’s ability to “connect the dots,” thus helping them tackle problems. 

A main element of problem-solving is the ability to approach situations from a mindful and clear-headed perspective. If you’re too stressed out, it might be difficult to solve business problems, especially creative dilemmas.

>>Learn more: How to Up Employee Performance With Collaboration

A study led by Rohit Rastogi, an associate professor of computer science and engineering at ABES Engineering College, found that positive thinkers coped with stress better, which enabled them to work more effectively. Even a small effort, like watching a movie that emphasized positive thinking, enhanced high schoolers’ creative problem-solving, according to the study.

2. Positive thinkers have more energy.

People tend to respond to situations in predictable ways — a personality trait called dispositional affect. Scientists concluded that people of a positive dispositional affect have more energy and enthusiasm than those who have more negative affectivity. That said, low levels of negative affectivity aren’t necessarily bad, as these people may be more calm and relaxed.

3. Positive people are more resilient.

Few entrepreneurs make it big with their first idea or business venture. There are often many failures and mistakes behind a prosperous business.

However, studies have shown that being positive in the face of adversity can help you become more resilient. For example, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology explains that resilient people use positive emotions to bounce back from negative emotional experiences. 

Resilience has its own rewards, too. According to the same study, resilient individuals “have optimistic, zestful and energetic approaches to life, are curious and open to new experiences, and are characterized by high positive emotionality.”

4. Positive thinking improves decision-making.

If you’re in a negative frame of mind, you’re less likely to make decisions that have a positive impact. According to the book Understanding the Entrepreneurial Mind (Springer, 2009), “negative thinking from entrepreneurs in a negative mood could lead to decisions which are more likely to be poor for their venture.” 

Positive emotions can affect entrepreneurship, too, according to a study published in the Journal of Business Venturing. For example, passion benefits entrepreneurship by aiding creativity and innovation. 

5. Positive thinking improves how we handle emotions.

Feeling positive and optimistic helps you handle your emotions better in the workplace, according to the Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior. Positive thinking also helps employees deal with stress, stay focused and engaged, and get more work done. 

Positivity allows you to think more freely when you’re confronted with a difficult situation, leading you to make smarter decisions and remain emotionally balanced when you’re taking on a difficult task. 

6. Positive thinking helps you seize the day.

An employee who embraces a positive outlook optimizes their potential for success. For example, a telesales rep who greets everyone with the same enthusiasm at 9 a.m as they do at 5 p.m. is likely to get the most leads and deals. 

These individuals understand that every minute in the office is an opportunity. Whereas some of their colleagues may look busy with paperwork at 4:55 p.m. so they don’t have to pick up the phone, those with a positive outlook will dial at 4:55 p.m. and later because they’re optimistic they might land a big deal.

>>Learn more: How Emotional Intelligence Predicts Success

7. Positive thinking opens your mind to new possibilities.

Having a positive outlook can put you at the front of the line for promotions. A study in the journal Contemporary Educational Psychology demonstrated that positivity and confidence led to increased motivation. In comparison, a lack of these traits led to procrastination and missed goals. In the workplace, a positive person is more eager to learn and pick up new skills, making them invaluable to an organization.

8. Positive people are healthier.

The happy disposition of positive people leads to real health benefits. They have a lower risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and better blood sugar levels. Many studies have shown that positive individuals have strong immune systems and have fewer sick days. A default state of productivity also leads to reduced levels of chronic stress.

However, positive thinking is nothing without positive action, which involves taking those thoughts and making change happen within your business. Positive action theory (PAT) is the idea that we feel better about ourselves when we do positive actions instead of relying only on positive thinking. 

There are many applications for PAT, and business is a big one. A problem arises, there’s a positive thought on how to deal with the problem, and a positive action is taken to solve the problem. Once the problem is solved, there is positive energy that carries to the next problem that arises.

“The concept of ‘I can, I will’ is immensely powerful,” said Ryan Knoll, owner of Tidy Casa. “The first steps are the most difficult ones. And taking these first steps is purely a mental battle: be it hitting the gym, studying for a course, achieving in the workplace, etc.” This strategy enforces the idea of turning a positive thought into a positive action.

8 tips for practicing positive thinking

Now that you know the benefits of positive thinking, it’s time to apply it in real life. Try these tips for practicing positive thinking:

1. Practice gratitude early in the day.

Start each day on a positive note by focusing on the good in your life. You may want to say a positive affirmation or take the time to consider the things you’re most looking forward to that day.

2. Watch what you say to yourself.

Stopping negative self-talk is another positive thinking strategy. Being your own worst critic is self-sabotaging. Turn any setbacks or failures into life lessons that you could use later on. 

Always keep your mind on the present and the future, and leave the past in the past. 

“Simply being kind and engaging to those around you can really have a positive effect on your atmosphere at work, and can encourage others to do the same,” said Dan Gallagher, a dietitian at Aegle Nutrition. “Similarly, engaging in positive self-talk can help you naturally embrace a more positive mindset over time.”

>>Learn more: How to Encourage Better Teamwork Among Employees

3. Encourage communication and collaboration.

“Businesses can create an environment that encourages positive thinking by promoting open communication and collaboration,” said Derek Capo, chief operating officer of Starquix. “When employees feel like they have a voice in the decision-making process, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in their work.” 

4. Foster a supportive environment.

When employees feel valued and recognized for their achievements and unique strengths, the positivity spreads throughout the organization.

“Give every member of your team a chance to shine in front of their co-workers,” said Monte Deere, CEO of Kizik. “By giving employees the stage to share something interesting to them, it inspires a more personal camaraderie among all. This kind of shared positivity contributes to a more supportive culture.”

For example, every month, Kizik hosts a “lunch and learn” where a different employee shares a passion of theirs or something they learned.

“Not only does everyone gain a new perspective, but [they] also get to know a member of their team in a new, positive way, leading to lower turnover,” Deere said. 

5. Hang out with positive people.

It takes only one person to kill a positive mood. However, positivity is just as infectious as negativity. The more time you spend with people who view the world as full of opportunities, the more you’ll see what they see. They’ll lift you up and encourage you to treat every crisis as a challenge you can overcome.

6. Listen to your favorite tunes.

Music affects us and connects with us emotionally. If we listen to music we enjoy, we experience increased levels of happiness and well-being. It lowers levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. 

Music is so powerful at influencing our mental state that it’s used by psychologists to treat people with anxiety and depression.

7. Be altruistic.

When we do something altruistic, our brains become flooded with feel-good hormones like oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine and serotonin.

If you see someone struggling with a task that’s not your responsibility, help them out. You’ll make a new ally and contribute to a more positive and supportive environment. Small acts of kindness like this boost your positivity and everyone else’s.

8. Go for a walk.

Walking can lead to more creative solutions to problems. Researchers at Stanford University found that walking boosted a person’s positive mindset, which, in turn, improved their problem-solving capabilities. 

Jennifer Post contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version.