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How do you start being positive?

JourneymanProject1
JourneymanProject1
I have this up in the stress management group already but I feel a need to toss it up on here as well::

This is probably more of a self-confidence problem than a stress problem, but I will ask here anyway.

When I started my classes in January (see journal), I felt at least okay about juggling classes and 13 hours of part-time work. Within a month, though, I was finding my confidence starting to vanish.

I have a lot of trouble believing that I can do anything at all so clearly there is a problem with staying positive. What I have no clue about is how I start bringing some positivity in and not feel discouraged in the process. It's been a long time since I've been happy so a high level of patience is going to be needed (from me and anyone who thinks they can work with me).

Any suggestions?
deleted_user
deleted_user
exact same problem with me.but ive started working on it.you need to have a heightened sense of whatever you are thinking and in a way need to filter your thoughts.all the time.its a tiring job and in the beginning itll be very difficult but in a week or two itll become natural.what i do is that whenever i have a shitty thought, i write it down and opposite to that write down a rebuttal to that thought.you will definitely find one because all those thoughts are in essence "crap". it has helped till now.hope it helps you too.good luck!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I started an online gratitude journal. I try really hard to find at least one thing everyday to be grateful for and focus on. Sometimes it's just the fact that I get to start over the next day. It takes a lot of focus but it can be done.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i think first you have to know what you do normally.i would never go on a web site and talk about my problems .i'm the kind that hides that's what i did when i was a kid .i'm 50 i do the same . so i take a deep breath and start out slowly and just start doing it .kind of the opposite of how i started to hide slowly then longer as i got used to it.just have to be your own trainer instead of someone training you.i hope that makes sense
deleted_user
deleted_user
I keep track of the things I do on a mood chart. I log in all my accomplishments, and it encourages me to do more, and I feel good about myself. The chart had a slot for exercise, which I had given up. I started slowly, and I would say that it has been a major factor in helping me feel more stable. It also makes me feel positive, because I am doing something good for my body, and the endorphins make me feel more relaxed, less stressed and generally mentally sound.

I highly recommend some kind of progress or mood chart, and EXERCISE. It is silly to try and convince yourself you feel well, better to actually create an environment of positivity by doing things that you enjoy, and that stimulate the brain to work better. That is what worked for me.