Keep Calm

Dwelling on life's negatives is easy. Negative thinking will never give you a positive experience. Plus, it's bad for your emotional and mental health. Striving to switch your mindset could help you overcome negatives feelings or disappointments when they don't go the way you had planned. 

If you get this right, you'll feel more engaged by life. This improves many things, including our powers of motivation. When faced with a daunting task, ask yourself:

* What can I focus on to make this less stressful?
* How can I engage more with this?
* Is there a way to "sweeten the pill"?
* Can I enjoy the progress I'm making?

Such approaches can be beneficial. With practice, anyone can become "tunnel-visioned" enough to focus on the positives. Action becomes more comfortable because you enjoy it more and ultimately, consistent work translates into steady progress.

Of course, some tasks are impossible to love – e.g. doing homework or filing tax returns. However, even here you can soften the blow. Music often helps, as does acknowledge and enjoying the progress you're making.  As with all things, practice is critical. The next time you have something daunting to undertake -- relax, focus on the moment and give it a go. You have nothing to lose. 

If you feel your thoughts often makes you feel helpless, get help and don't let is swirling out of control. 

Sherldine Tomlinson.