How our frame of mind can affect our self confidence.
Life is not all plain sailing. Indeed, hardship, trials and tribulations are part and parcel of being. Encountering difficulty is not a bad thing, the main concern is the approach we take to deal with it. A positive frame of mind is key for so many reasons. Positive thinking is proven to boost performance in productivity and quality. We are typically more confident and do better when we are feeling positive and well.
I have found biological explanations of this. A positive frame of mind is as a result of enhanced levels of neuro transmitters such as serotonin that regulate the efficiency capabilities of the brain. The knock results of a positive frame of mind also include better wellbeing not just enhanced mental health but better in the physical sense aswell. This is because of the enhance to the immune system that a positive frame of mind can give you.
The reverse is also true, when we are depressed we are far more liable to contracting other diseases and mental health issues. Our interaction with other people degrade, we start to think irrationally and our confidents can reduce. In short this is a frame of mind that is best to avoid at all costs. Feeling unhappy from time to time is not unusual but the way we decide to deal with an issue comes from our state of mind.
A positive mental attitude is also about giving you a can do attitude. Individuals who think positively are far more likely to see challenges rather than problems or opportunities instead of difficulties. For example, entrepreneurs that are successful often are because they are able to spot opportunities for growth in a market which others only see troubles in. The positive mental attitude of a successful person means that opportunity becomes a reality; because they also have the drive and motivation to ensure success and make their vision come true. So as you can see there is much to be gained from a positive mental attitude. The problem for lots of people is in developing one in the first place.
Developing a positive frame of mind is not some new aged fad. For centuries religious men and scholars alike sought out and created techniques to harness an inner harmony. While this may have begun to make humanity closer to god the essence of this idea is just as relevant today. That a positive frame of mind makes us closer to the divine while a negative frame of mind can only lead us in to ways of being that are a detriment to our lives. Monks realised this long ago which is why they devote themselves to a life of abstinence and mental and spiritual fulfilment.
One of the best ways to determine your frame of mind is to think about how you are with other people. A great way to do this is to picture how you behave towards people you do not know. Are you outgoing and open to meeting and talking with other people? Or are you insular and shy. Believe it or not one of the best ways to conquer a negative frame of mind is to change your mindset towards the world around you and that means the people in it too. If you are generally uncomfortable around others then try this experiment.
One night push yourself to strike up a conversation at random in a public place. Do not worry about how you look or appear or what you talk about. A reference in regards to the weather or anything will do. Just try it and note how you feel afterwards.
You see, the way you are with others will have an effect on the opportunities you get presented. Think about it like this who is the most likely to get a job between two people of equivalent ability and knowledge except for one difference, One is uptight and uncomforable with others and the other is laid back and comfortable with others. If I was the boss I know which one I would pick for the Job.
Do you think the way you are is affecting your life and opportunities? If so you must get Quentin’s free video on Overcoming social anxiety.