A Positive Mind One Day At a Time: Multi-Functional Self-Development Book

CHAPTER ONE

Programming Your Mind

When I say programming your mind, the first thing you might think of is a computer. Programming the mind can be compared to computer systems. If you want to upgrade your life, you must install a new version. Consider this a new you. You are the computer; you are the central mechanism controlling how you command your feelings and thoughts. We all have encountered negative people and been confronted by their behavior. If we do not program our minds to think positively, we will let their negative energy cause a system overload. Being able to troubleshoot through such feelings is compared to an anti-virus program that blocks and warns against any negativity. Therefore, by maintaining a positive mindset, and filtering the negative situations from influencing you, you will upgrade to a version that will create positive thoughts and energy, thus discarding the rest.

Focus on Yourself First

Remember you cannot eliminate negativity; our minds are already programmed to think negatively because that type of energy surrounds us. When you start working every day on programming your mind to think, live, and see in a positive way, you will train your mind to see the good in any situation. Doing this on a consistent basis will maintain positive energy levels and have your computer running smoothly.

I can testify; I was such a negative thinker I would never let a positive thought enter my mind. I realized you must give yourself the assurance and opportunity to live a positive life. Focus on what you can change and not what is out of your control. This is the first step to generate a positive mindset. Then accept you will be part of the equation to find an efficient solution.

The truth of the matter is our mind can be our best friend or worst enemy, depending on the way we think and analyze people, places, and things. Make sure you are best friends! - Brian Fulginiti

Program Ways to React Slower in a Disagreement

A quick reaction in a conversation can lead to arguments and mixed emotions. Make sure when confronted in a discussion that you disagree with, take the time to actually think about your chosen words. Remember, spoken words cannot be taken back, and in the heat of the moment, might not be said in a positive way. When you can be patient and think about what you are about to say, you will realize it was not as big of a deal as your initial negative thoughts wanted you to believe.

No Excuses, Just Improvements

We can all think of a reason to complain about our lives, but does this solve any issues? You must program your mind first to think of a positive way to overcome obstacles; this leaves less room for excuses and more room for improvements. Your life will become more productive and gratifying, as a result of thinking optimistically about change.

Helpful Tip: When exhaling you are in the most relaxing state of mind you can be in.

Daily Exercise: Practice Relaxing the Mind

Close your eyes, relax your mind, and remain focused on generating positive thoughts that can be calm and soothing to the brain. Next, start taking deep breaths in and fully relax your body when you exhale, while remaining in a positive mindset.

Practice this exercise for at least five minutes every day. In turn, helping shield off negative thoughts by a consistent form of positive reforming. Also, enabling the discovery of a place that you can safely escape to when you feel overwhelmed by negative people, words, or energy.

Five Ways of Analyzing Common Problems

Example: You lose your keys and then find them a half hour later.

   Negative: You are still upset and wonder why you did not look there or put them somewhere else in the first place. Meanwhile, thinking of all the wasted time and energy spent in search of your keys.

   Positive: You are thankful you finally found them and did not lose your keys. You merely misplaced them.

Example: Your friend or family member needs help.

   Negative: You will make an attempt but think to yourself you have to rearrange your entire day.

   Positive: What a wonderful opportunity to help someone you care about feel better. Be honored to do so because they are part of your life.

Example: Someone is giving you honest criticism.

   Negative: Getting upset while refusing to see any other options to come to a solution. Even making excuses as to why the person is wrong.

   Positive: Being thankful and outwardly expressing appreciation for their opinion. Then using the opportunity to expand and grow in that department.

Example: How do you see a glass after you drink half of it?

   Negative: You have less water because you already drank half the glass, or the glass is half empty.

   Positive: There is still plenty to drink when I get thirsty again or the glass is half full.

Example: You dropped your car off to get a routine oil change and found out you have a big gash in your tire, and turns out that all four tires need to be replaced.

   Negative: This is another enormous expense, and I just wanted an oil change! What else could go wrong with my car?

   Positive: I am so fortunate that the staff found this and prevented a possible blowout on the highway to work, putting myself and others at risk.

A Thought to Remember

Being consistent is the key to conditioning your body and mind. A repetitive formula that was once hard is now part of your daily routine. When you form this process, your mind