Think positive, be productive

[ummtaalib]

Think positive, be productive

 

What is Positive thinking?

 

Positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring problems in life. It means to approach the problems in a more positive and productive way. Expecting the best and not the worst!

 

Our thinking often starts with self-talk. Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through our head every day. These automatic thoughts can be either positive or negative.

 

If the thoughts that run through our head are mostly negative, our outlook on life will be negative. If our thoughts are mostly positive, then we will have a positive outlook towards life. It is up to us to decide whether we see the glass half full or half empty.

 

How can we adopt a positive approach?

 

If the first thoughts about any situation that has happened are negative, then taking the first step toward positivity is the solution. Thoughts are always under our control and can be changed. We can always try to follow certain ways to develop a positive attitude, such as:

 

1. Change the perspective: Thinking that the world is against you or that you were born unlucky has simply no basis.

 

2. Forget the past: A bad past does not mean a bad future.

 

3. Don’t be a product or a victim of your circumstances: If you’re not happy with the way your life is going, set goals and get moving! Learn from the past to build character and make better decisions.

 

4. Reminding yourself with positive quotes, sharing them with others and staying with positive people helps a lot.

 

5. Remember that life is too short to waste on negativity.

 

6. Be a balanced optimist: Stay prepared for the worst but hope for the best – the former makes you sensible, and the latter makes you an optimist.

 

7. Books on positivity are always a good read.

 

8. Count your blessings: Once you do that you will realize “And which of the blessings of our Lord will we deny?” (Surah Ar Rahmaan)

 

9. Be productive in your life: Set goals, break down work into smaller portions, don’t take on too many tasks at once, prioritize your work and cut off distractions.

 

10. Try to accept things rather than expecting a lot: It reminds me of a quote by my teacher: “I have learned to accept more than to expect. That’s why I have fewer disappointments in life.”

 

Benefits of Positive Thinking:

 

1) Positive thinking helps us cope with stressful situations, ignore negative thoughts, reduce anxiety and gives us confidence, allowing us to make better decisions and focus more.

 

2) Good health: Our thoughts directly affect the body and how it works. So being positive helps us remain calm and take care of ourselves naturally.

 

3) Better time management: How many of us complain of wasting hours on end indulging in negative thoughts?!

 

4) Positive people attract more friends and it helps them stay happy and successful and they have greater peace in their life.

 

It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you react to what happens!

 

Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, “Wondrous is the life of the Believer for there is good for him in every situation; and this is not for anyone except the Believer. If goodness comes his way and he is grateful, this is good for him, and if he is afflicted and endures patiently, this is also is good for him.” (Sahih Muslim)

 

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians