Invest In Yourself.

Living life with a positive outlook is a personal choice. It takes no money and yet, its the biggest investment you could do to observe remarkable benefits. However, this is one of the most effective but difficult things to achieve. The only way out of negative thoughts is to coax yourself to transform them into positive ones. Through my personal journey, I realised the importance of being and feeling positive.

Here are a few simple steps that worked for me:

1- Train your Brain
This remains to top my list even though I have tried several different things. I know its easier said that done. To make this easier, you can use a calendar and apply the 21 day rule. By the last day, it would have become a habit. For example, if you want to start your day with drinking a big glass of water, write it on a calendar (try to avoid digital ones) and put a tick for everyday you followed it.
Likewise, train your brain to start your day with a big broad smile or say something positive about the day. Keep a tab on yourself until it becomes second nature to you.
The possibilities are endless. But my suggestion would be the follow step # 2 in conjunction with step # 1.

2- Take small steps
I cannot stress how important this this is. I have had weight issues all my life. I don’t know how much time, money, energy I put in failed attempts of losing 30 kgs. I always focused on the big number and was disappointed repeatedly. I then started to slowly take smaller steps. Instead of focusing on 30 kgs, I focused on 3 kgs. I followed one mantra – slow and steady wins the race.
Am I the slimmest person I know? NO. Am I healthy? YES. Am I flexible? Heck yeah- I teach Yoga now! I continue to fuel my body with positive thoughts. My aim is to be and feel fit and healthy. I am certain that I will reach there one day!:)
You can apply this to your work, education, daily life or anything you have been struggling with.
Note- In step #1 I mention the 21 day rule. Feel free to keep a smaller goal. Try to build up and increase your threshold.

3- Surround yourself with positive people/things
And this doesn’t have to be only physical. If you are working with a team of pessimist, try to join a virtual community. Read positive blogs to shield yourself against negative thoughts. Do something that makes your happy to take your mind off that negative energy.

4- Maintain a gratitude journal
I always thank the universe for things that I have been blessed to have, things that worked or did not work for me and so on. You will be surprised to jot down things that you would have never been thankful for otherwise. The little things that we take granted for are luxuries for more than half the world.
From having a computer to write this blog to getting positive feedback from my meditation/yoga students, I have endless things to be thankful for. I sometimes go back and read the journal from start, it reminds me of so many amazing things that have happened to me and leaves me feeling absolutely fresh and positive.

5- Listen to yourself
A lot of times something holds us back. In your crazy, fast, stressful schedule, you might forget to listen to your mind, soul and body. You can be aware of so many things going inside you if you devote sometime to listen to yourself. Spend at least 5 mins alone without your electronics. Try to focus on your breathing. If there is a roadblock that is keeping you behind, try to focus on the solution. A lot of times you would be able to find a solution before it becomes a huge hassle.
These are some simple solutions that worked for me. What worked for you? I would love to hear constructive comments from others!