How to Think Positive Thoughts & Get Positive Thinking Daily

In Short:

Positive thinking isn't about ignoring reality — it's about choosing empowering thoughts that support your wellbeing and emotional resilience. This article explores the science and psychology behind thinking positively, and how you can start to rewire your brain for greater calm, confidence, and clarity.

Why Positive Thinking Matters

In a world flooded with information and stress, learning how to think positive thoughts is not just a wellness trend — it's a powerful mental skill. Positive thinking supports better health outcomes, improved emotional regulation, and more satisfying relationships (Fredrickson, 2001). But how do we actually get positive thinking when the brain seems hardwired to worry?

The good news: positivity can be trained.

What Does It Mean to Think Positive Thoughts?

Thinking positive thoughts means consciously directing your attention toward helpful, hopeful, and empowering perspectives — even during life's challenges. It doesn’t mean denying pain or pretending everything is fine. Rather, it’s a practice of resilience and intentional focus.

"Positive thinking is not about expecting the best to happen every time, but accepting that whatever happens is the best for this moment." — Unknown

The Science of Positive Thinking

Research in neuroscience and psychology confirms that our thoughts shape our emotional experiences. Repetitive negative thinking (rumination) can increase stress, anxiety, and even impact physical health (Nolen-Hoeksema et al., 2008). Conversely, cultivating positive thoughts activates brain regions associated with reward and motivation (Ashby et al., 1999).

According to Barbara Fredrickson’s Broaden-and-Build Theory (2001), positive emotions broaden our awareness, increase creativity, and build long-term psychological resilience.

How to Think Positive Thoughts: 7 Daily Practices

1. Practice Thought Awareness

Notice when you’re spiralling into negative self-talk. Journaling or using a voice note can help make unconscious thoughts visible.

2. Reframe the Narrative

When you catch a disempowering thought, ask: What else could be true? This opens the door to possibility.

3. Use Empowering Language

Language influences mindset. Swap “I can’t” with “I’m learning to…” or “This is hard” with “This is growing me.”

4. Curate Your Inputs

Protect your mental energy by limiting news overload and choosing media that inspires and uplifts.

5. Gratitude Journaling

Just 3 genuine things you’re grateful for per day can shift your brain’s filter toward what’s working well (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).

6. Body-Mind Connection

Positive thoughts come easier when your nervous system is regulated. Breathwork, yoga, and walking in nature all support this.

7. Affirmations with Emotional Resonance

Choose affirmations that feel believable and grounding. E.g. “I am learning to feel safe in myself.”

How to Get Positive Thinking to Stick

Building a positive mindset is like building muscle — it requires consistency, emotional honesty, and support. Here are three ways to strengthen your practice:

• Create an environment that reflects who you want to become
• Join a community or program that nurtures emotional resilience
• Be patient with yourself — rewiring takes time

Key Takeaways

• Knowing how to think positive thoughts is a learnable skill, not a personality trait.
• Positive thinking supports mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
• Daily practices like reframing, journaling, and nervous system regulation make positivity sustainable.
• Even small mindset shifts can create powerful ripple effects in your life.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be endlessly cheerful to experience the power of positive thinking. This work is about building inner safety and learning to trust your mind again. Through intentional practice and compassionate awareness, you can change the way you think — and change your life in the process.

Academic References:

Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226.

Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking Rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400–424.

Ashby, F. G., Isen, A. M., & Turken, U. (1999). A neuropsychological theory of positive affect and its influence on cognition. Psychological Review, 106(3), 529–550.

Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389.