Positive Thinking Pocketbook: Little Exercises for a Happy and Successful Life

Introduction 1PART 1: POSITIVE THINKING VS NEGATIVE THINKING 3Understanding the power of positive and negative thinking 4Understanding the positive intentions of negative thinking 6Understanding narrow and broad thinking 8Recognising the way you're thinking 10Recognising cognitive distortions 12Rewiring your brain 14Challenging your thoughts: are they helpful? 16Challenging your thoughts: are you certain? 18Identifying alternative perspectives 20Moving on to positive thoughts 22PART 2: POSITIVE THINKING AND POSITIVE ACTION 25Having goals 26Identifying your options 28Taking positive steps 30Using positive visualisation 32Being flexible 34Getting motivated 36Staying motivated 38Using positive body language 40PART 3: MAKING POSITIVE THINKING A HABIT 43Being appreciative 44Being kind 46Being generous 48Making a contribution 50Giving compliments 52Indulging in small pleasures 54Using more positive language 56Saying 'but' or 'and' 58Saying 'should' or 'could' 60Being more confident 62Being with positive people 64Consuming positive news 66PART 4: POSITIVE THINKING FOR DIFFICULT SITUATIONS 69Managing disappointments and setbacks 70Being stuck in a job you don't like 72Surviving trauma and tragedy 74Dealing with being bullied 76Having courage 78Coping with criticism 80Forgiving 82Changing your mind 84Dealing with guilt 86Moving on from regret 88Coping with worry and anxiety 90Managing envy 92Making new friends 94Taking risks 96Having a positive body image 98Avoiding the blame game 100Being non-judgemental 102Coping with change 104Answers to In Practice questions in Part One 106More positive thinking quotes 108About the author 110