Positive thinking is the ultimate life hack

We’ve heard it all before. “Don’t worry, just think positive!” But for a lot of us, this is easier said than done. It’s like, “what does it even MEAN to think positively?” For myself, I grew up in a tumultuous and dysfunctional family–and this was also reflected in my school friend circles growing up. That in addition to trauma and bullying painted my brain’s thought patterns very negatively, with depression and anxiety acting like shackles. Not only did I hold negative beliefs about myself, others, and life itself, but this sort of thinking tries its best to protect you from more harm by keeping you away from anything that could risk more heartbreak. Opportunities for job interviews, auditions, the chance to try something new… I would think, “why bother, I’m not going to get the job” and not even try.

The truth is, negative thinking is just a habit we get locked into because it’s familiar and “safe” even if it makes us absolutely undeniably MISERABLE. And that’s how I lived for most of my life. And I’ve had it. I’m done playing life safe just because I’m afraid of being hurt.

So how can we actually use positive thinking as a tool, as a “life hack” to success and happiness? How can we build that self-esteem up?
Lisa Metzgar’s approach is so refreshing. She doesn’t try to make things too colorful and sparkly, but instead explains in a grounded and realistic way how and why our thoughts shape our confidence and even the experiences and opportunities that come to us. It can often come down even to certain words and certain phrases we use when we think about things such as  won’t, can’t, shouldn’t, etc. 

She even integrates the power of creative thinking into it, which I’m all about.

Also published on Medium.