Students Perspectives on Positive Thinking

Positive thinking and Positive attitudes are of paramount importance to “students”.

However, the recent economical crisis, along with the other contributing factors have made a negative impact on students thinking patterns.

Negative thinking is defined as, “a tendency to be downbeat, disagreeable and skeptical”. Negative thoughts can take over all aspects of students lives. They can affect our memory and relationships with others and class room performances, cause low self-esteem and make it harder to get through our day.

Negative thinking is likely to cause massive amount of Stress. While, stress might be common in daily life, people experiencing negative thinking are more prone to facing excessive stress, even with the smallest problem.

Negative thinking causes people to feel stressed about anything and everything.

HOW TO OVERCOME NEGATIVE THINKING:

“DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE”

First and foremost, speak to the negative thoughts and try to find out the “root cause of the problem”. Ask yourself the following questions, whenever you need to overcome negative thinking;

•Is there any other way of looking at your situation? Is there any other explanation? How would someone else, like a friend think about the situation? or What would you tell a friend who had the same experience.
It is always advisable to seek out help when facing problems to avoid complications in your life.

If your friends cannot resolve your problem, then you need to speak to your parents, elders and teachers and the mentor. I am sure that they will definitely assist you to overcome your problems, in life. Even after leaving your school, “maintain the relationship with your teachers” as they are your “treasure trove”, in life.

I am greatly indebted to my teachers as they offer their immense valuable teachings in life and advice even after decades of leaving my College, as a student.

Hence, believe that you can overcome any problem or difficulty or obstacle in your life, with the blessings of your parents, elders, Rector’s, Vice Rector’s, Principal’s, Deputy Principal’s, Sectional Heads and teachers to reach greater heights in your student career and life.

Go inside

This means, find out “your real self”. Ask the question, “Who am I”. Meditation and mind fullness will greatly assist you to find the answer for this question. To start your endeavor on meditation, ask the following questions;
Why?, why not?, why me?, why not me ? and why not me, now?

The above questions need to be answered not only for meditation, rather we should make our students to ask these questions, whenever we assign them with a task.

Virtually, It is also good for everyone who want to stay positive, to ask these questions, in order to succeed in life.

Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is a mental attitude in which you expect good and favorable results. In other words, Positive thinking is the process of creating thoughts that create and transform energy into reality. A Positive mind waits for happiness, health, success and happy ending in any situation.

In my opinion, positive thinking, is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. It is about looking for the “silver lining” and maintaining a “hopeful attitude”, even when things are tough.

Also, I strongly believe that Positive thinking, “creates energy”,” improve your thinking and memory”, “improves quality”, “improves productivity “and “attract friends” and “helps you to successfully pass your examinations at school and outside.

Positive thinking is very beneficial for your mental health primarily because it eliminates any form of paranoia and negative thoughts that can cause depression and stress.The process is actually a domino effect in terms of your overall health.

Positive thinking also helps to have a better coping skills during hardships and times of stress. When you think positively you will feel happier and more contented with your life.

So, be happy and contented with who you are, what you have, wherever you are now and whatever you are doing now.

“Positive thinking also increases your life span”. Hence, always focus on positive thinking to prosper in life.

Find True Happiness

You may think that the “True happiness” is in wealth, name, fame, recognition and rewards that you get. But True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence about the future. For genuine and long lasting happiness, eliminate negative attitudes, adopt positive attitudes, serve the needy, reconnect with your true nature or inner self.

BECOME RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL:

Pray regularly with your family members to benefit the country, society, relatives, friends, family and you, in that order. Should you lead a spiritual life you will gain maturity and wisdom as well as to have the following;
Better health, less tension, less stress even during difficult times, more positive feelings, less depression, Greater psychological well being and superior ability to handle stress.

Be Motivated & Inspired

When you have the general desire or willingness to do something that is called as Motivation. Though you think motivation comes from outside, it is fundamentally an “Inside Out “matter and not “Outside in” matter. Inspiration essentially means those rare moments and emotions of your life that you felt after being touched by a particular phenomenon, thing or activity. You may be inspired by working, reading, “Time alone” or “Me Time”, Listening to good music, Exercise, rendering your Voluntary services to your Community and the needy, Writing and maintaining a “Gratitude Journal”, Having a Vision and getting closer or even reaching your Vision, meeting your requirements and competing with your self.

This means you should endeavor to do today’s work, even better than in the past, to be precise, yesterday.

WORK IS SACRED FOR ME:

Focus on your “Work”, as it is sacred. Always, perform the duties that are entrusted to you, wholeheartedly. Always share your knowledge and experience with your friends. Be obedient to your teachers, parents, elders and school administrators.

My secret mantras for your student career are “Responsibility “, “Respect “and “Obedience “.
Always, strive for excellence.

In my experience, the rewards for your “Laborious work” will come to you, sooner or later by the grace of God.

CONCLUSION:
In order to reap the benefits of all above mentioned messages, I appeal you not to have wishful thinking, but Comprehensive Planning and execution of the plan, that are vital for success.
Always, “believe in God”, “believe in your self” and “believe in your destiny “.
Have a mentor. Practice gratitude. Engage in positive self-talk. Pray three times a day. Remember to laugh. Identify areas of improvement. Respect your teachers, parents, elders and school authorities. Spend time with Positive people. Develop Morning and evening routines. Enjoy your friendships and school life. Always think positive! That is one side of the coin. Also, be active!
Do not surrender your self to fate.
Change your gears.
Believe in God.
Finally, take care of your physical, mental, (emotional) and spiritual health.
Then perhaps “reaching the pinnacle of success “in your student career and life could be a reality.
Positive thinking is the ultimate driving force to realize your dreams.
Stay Positive and Stay Active!
Work laboriously to realize your dreams!

Maruthai Ravindhiran has been selected to follow the Certified Professional Marketer(CPM) programme, the highest recognition awarded to the Marketers in the Asian region by the Asia Marketing Federation(AMF).
He was the Former Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Blue and White Newsletter Committee of the Old Boys’ Union, Newsletter Committee of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo10.
Ravindhiran is also a Life Transformational and Life Management Coach.