The Power of a Positive Mind

I find it that it is so much easier to complain and vocalize my complaints than to face the reality of situations. Teenagers and students alike can relate to each other when comparing the list of homework that they have, strenuous after school activities, and even just what wave they have for lunch. But I do believe that if people begin to act happy, then stress would fall naturally and success would follow.

It is an empty statement to tell someone to just be happy, but I believe that faking it until you make it actually works in this scenario. This summer I strived to run 100 miles. The task was impossible, and I procrastinated it long enough for me to realize that I’d have to run 80 miles in August. At first this was daunting, but then as I began to run more, I slowed down, because every mile I ran didn’t even feel like I made a dent into the 100 miles.

Mindsets like this make it impossible to get things done. The second you think that something is too hard, you have subconsciously made yourself believe that you can’t do it. Even if you know you can’t do something, it is beneficial to make yourself pretend that you can do it. A study named “Cognitive Processes Meditating Behavioural Changes” conducted by psychologists Bandura A. Adams and J. Beyers showed that there is a strong correlation in people's belief  in their ability to succeed at something to then their behaviour and success. Participants gradually participated in activities they were very uncomfortable in. In result, the groups who had confronted their fears got better at these tasks. People learn more from doing than seeing. And the people who ‘do’ will be more likely to be successful. 

It’s not just confidence which I believe is the most important, it’s also positivity. Maybe you aren’t always confident that you can do something. I wasn’t confident I could run the 80 miles. But I forced myself to be positive. Even if I thought it was a little corny, I told myself with a little affirmation that I could do it. It was simple, instead of saying that I was tired, thirsty, or could be in bed at this very moment, I told myself that it’s amazing that I’m running. I faked the positivity and ultimately ran over 100 miles by the end of summer. 

Obviously, not everyone has the same affection for running, but the metaphor still stands. Teenagers ultimately affect each other. The more we hear negative thoughts from each other, the more we feel it ourselves. But by facing hard tasks with positivity and not negativity, you’ve already fought half the battle. 

People who fake positivity may see the world in a more positive light. People who fake social confidence may start to actually develop real social confidence. People who fake higher self esteem may actually be able to boost their self esteem.