That positive thought: 1

Negative is included in the pretext of positive; else the impact of positive wouldn't seem affirmative enough. We were not born with negative beliefs or irrational expectations or cognitive distortions. In fact no one knowledgeably taught us any of those either. Somewhere along the way we lose perspective and start believing in the irrational. We either become unrealistically optimistic and we are let down (only to lose faith completely and get distrustful forever); or we simply never experience happy moments enough to believe that there is a sunnier side to things. Life originally is positive; the world fundamentally stifling. Thus negatives get added and seem to become elemental. These need to be unlearned and replaced with positive thoughts which comprise:

Preparedness

Open-mindedness

Self-examination

Innovation

Transparency

Interest

Vigilance

Expressiveness

Preparedness

Nature has mysterious means of disclosure. A devil that is recognized is somewhat easier to tackle. Surprises are not always welcome. And once they attack, there is no option but self-defense with any means available. Ants scurry into holes; rabbits find their burrows, snakes slide in their pits while ostriches bury their heads in the sand. Even though it seems like escape, there is a protocol they follow; they are prepared. Problems and complications never knock at the door gracefully; they attack and bring the roof down. Preparedness for the attack is a prudent choice.

• The exam is tough but I will do my best
• The interview is difficult but I can face it
• She rejected me but I knew it could happen

Personal defenses and armor take effort to build. A sanguine mindset with enthusiasm to face the storm (irrespective of success or failure) adds confidence to ability. Both are quintessential to facing the attack bravely.

Open-mindedness

Thinking is a private phenomenon; however it is advantageous to approach outlooks and knowledge of others too. Each one of us has 4 billion brain cells; all of them capable of generating exceptional concepts and ideas. Making the most of what is available permits one to weigh the options and make better decisions.

• This seems to be very hard but it’s still worth a shot
• That doesn't work usually but this time it just might
• I may lose but I might gain something in the bargain

Risks are dangerous and may bring in failure and loss. But not taking them assures that there will never be any gain. Don’t chain the mind; let is soar to the heights it deems or delve to the depths it desires. The mind cannot and should not be slaved.

Self-examination

We overtly see in the world the faults we loathe in ourselves. It takes a 180 degree turn to inspect oneself instead of the environment around. One usually pursues reasons for failures and setbacks and they seldom exist externally. An internal locus of control permits personal responsibility.

• I think he’s rude because I have been impolite to him
• I guess I didn't work hard enough so I failed the exam
• I overate all of last month that’s why I've put on weight

It’s important to quit figuring the shortcomings of the world and hunt for your own. Often we use projection to overcome fallacies. We presume that others are rude when in actuality we dislike them and choose to snap at them. We tell our kids to be honest while we speak white lies to our employers about how we need a sick leave to go on family vacation. We tell employees to work harder while we set wrong examples by walking to our own office late. We all have flaws. The world sees our flaws easily. We need to gain some insight onto them and make timely amends.

Innovation

Logic and common sense are relatively uncommon; and yet often enough when found, they fail! Innovation is crucial for survival. There is that category of humans who move on the railways track with predetermined goals and pre fixated strategies. They have never known what transpires out of the box. Life ought to be a little more interesting than the humdrum path of morose existence.

• This didn't work but I can try something different
• The newer technique may fail but it is worth a try
• She left me then, but I can be different this time

If at first you don’t succeed, there’s no statute that prevents you from trying again. The law in fact offers freedom of speech as well as expression. Make use of it to see the brighter side. All that needs change is perception. When you wear red glasses, you've painted the town red. Extra adds that bit to the ordinary. Don’t underestimate or undermine it…