The thing that separates human beings from animals is our capacity for complex, abstract thought. Or ability to envision the future and hopefully, make it better than it was before. But our imperfect minds have also generated some terrible mistakes and dangerous ideologies.
If we do not know how to distinguish bad thinking from good, we can end up believing what we shouldn’t, and behaving in ways that are harmful to ourselves and others. Thinking well requires adopting the right attitudes and being prepared to nurture effective habits. Without intellectual virtues, even the cleverest end up playing theoretical games.
There are a few simple rules that have changed my thinking and after I began doing them also changed my life,
- Think for yourself. So often we take for granted whatever people say is the way it is. Always research it for yourself. Especially today so many things are taken out of context.
- Be kind. My number one rule is to question how I would want to be treated in that situation.
- Eliminate negative thinking. As humans, we have a natural pull go think of the negative before the positive. Allow yourself to change your thoughts. If you thinking of something negative change it to a positive thought. There are sometimes I have to tell myself “Stop!”
- Forgive others. When you choose to hold bitterness in your heart you only harm yourself and not the other person. This is not to say that you forget. It’s important to stay cautious when dealing with that person.
- Cultivate gratitude. Remind yourself that you are enough. A positive mindset leads to greater happiness.
- Give sincere appreciation. If you think someone has done something well never hesitate to let them know it.
- Be honest. Honestly is essential to build trust and maintain healthy relationships with others.
- Be yourself. Being yourself means living life how you want to live it, regardless of other people’s opinions.
- Pay attention to the moment. Stop thinking about what happened in the past, or worrying about what might happen in the future. Live for today.
- Avoid distractions, Focus on your goals. Turn off your phone, and block out a section of time to focus on your most important goal for the day.
From Pity to Praise 