Positive Thinking

Positive Thinking

When experiencing problem gambling, we often feel out of control.  It’s a very uncomfortable feeling, and can make you feel like you’re constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.

While there may be a lot of things you can’t control, there is one very important thing you can.  You can control your own expectations and the thoughts you focus on.

In this lesson, we’ll explore the power of positive thinking, and practical steps you can take to cultivate it in your own life.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Envisioning a positive outcome creates a real draw for the types of people, opportunities and behaviors you attract.  It can help keep you focused, optimistic, and dedicated to pursuing your goal.  Moreover, it’s proven to benefit health outcomes.

One study done at Johns Hopkins University cites that people at risk of heart disease with a positive outlook experience heart attacks one-third less than those at-risk with a negative outlook.

In other words, Henry Ford was onto something when he said:

While there are many benefits to thinking positively, it can be challenging to maintain this mindset. Negative thoughts, such as shameful judgements, self-doubt, or visions of failure creep in.  That is totally natural, especially if you are facing the consequences of your gambling.

Positive Thinking In Action

The good news is there are some tangible ways to cultivate positive thinking:

Tactic 1: Say Positive Affirmations Out Loud

Sometimes, simple, affirmative thoughts can quiet the negative voices and be an important piece of your pathway to change.

What is an affirmation?  It is a positive, true statement meant to empower you. It is a simple, true statement that can anchor you in the possibility of change.

The idea is to say it out loud to yourself (for real!).  Say it with conviction, as if you were telling another person.  Remember: these affirmations are statements of truth and fact!  Here are some examples:

• I am stronger than my urges.

• My past does not define me.

• My life is full of joy and happiness without gambling.

For additional affirmations, or to write your own, check out the “A Word From Evive” in your Toolkit.

Tactic 2: Choose Your Words Carefully

Like partners in a dance, our speech and thought patterns influence each other’s directions.  Choosing negative or limiting words in your speech and text will reinforce negative thoughts you have about your ability to make a change. Transforming your vocabulary is a powerful step to changing your mindset.

Before you change the words you use with yourself and others, take note of those that you reach for a lot: 

• Could you “never” not bet during the Superbowl, or have you not tried before?

• Are you “totally screwed”, or just mildly annoyed by past behavior?

Cluing in to the words you use to describe your own emotions and past behavior, and dialing them down if they are too black-and-white or strong, can help to regulate the emotions that come up, and help us see things more clearly.

Tactic 3: Reframe the Goal as Growth, Not Perfection

Too often we let “perfect” get in the way of “good enough”.  Everyday you’re making an effort to change behavior is a step in the right direction.

Reframing the goal as growth toward your ambition, rather than perfectly attaining it, ensures that each step is meaningful, even if you’re still on the journey to achievement.

Our minds play tricks on us. When doing something and failing seems like it would be unbearable, your mind comes up with a bunch of reasons why you shouldn’t even make the effort.  Yet, if your goal is to grow and make some progress toward your ultimate goal, every small step is a win.

Let's Reflect

Write down how you see the next year of your life unfolding.  Even if they come first to mind, actively remove any negative or self-limiting elements.

Focus on the possibility of a positive outcome, including what the change will look like and feel like for you.

Closing Thought

You have the power to change.  

Believe it, and you will be one step closer to achieving it.