Whether you’ve just completed psych 101 or have a self-proclaimed master’s degree in pop psychology thanks to your local Barnes and Nobles, you’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
This quote from Max Planck (the father of modern quantum theories) was adopted by the late Dr. Wayne Dyer and many other self-help leaders in positive psychology. Though much of their advice is centered around personal interactions and one’s overall outlook on life, that doesn’t mean the power of positive thinking is limited to the personal realm.
Here are three ways positive thinking can improve your professional life:
It makes you a better problem solver
We’re all going to come up against difficulties at work. Sometimes the challenge is our own limitations due to a lack of experience or knowledge, while other times it may be something more personal like interactions with certain co-workers. But dwelling on the issues tends to put you in a negative thought pattern. By focusing on the solution, you’ll think more positively and won’t get yourself emotionally worked up over the problem.
Positive thinking makes you more productive
Listening to the voice inside your head that tells you you’re not experienced or good enough is a waste of your time and energy. When you’re practiced in the art of positive thinking, you’ll find you’re able to quiet those voices more easily, thereby allowing you more time to focus on getting your project done and making sure it’s the best it can be.
It makes you more promotable
Well if you’re a better problem solver and more productive, you should already be in line for a promotion right? Even if that were all you needed, positivity is infectious. You’ll make others feel good and want to be around you. This will be an advantage when searching for a new job or an internal promotion within your current company.
Positive thinking may seem to come more easily to some than others, but remember it is ultimately a choice. You’re in the driver’s seat. To be successful, you need to first be aware of your thought patterns. With some practice and determination, you’ll be be on your way to being a naturally positive person.
