What Are The Positive Thinking Skills?Motivation12channel.

 


What Are The Positive Thinking Skills?



There are many skills that a person can use to help themselves stay positive, but what are the positive thinking skills and how do they work? This blog will explore some of the most common positive thinking skills and how they work. 

The first thing to consider is one's self-talk. What kind of things do you tell yourself on a daily basis? If you constantly tell yourself that you're not good enough or if you dwell on mistakes in the past, then this may be contributing to your negative thoughts. It's important to replace these negative thoughts with more positive ones. For example, instead of saying I messed up again, try saying I made a mistake today, but I'm working hard to make sure it doesn't happen again. Or when something goes wrong during the day, don't blame yourself for it by telling yourself I should have done better. Instead, say things didn't go my way today. That small change in phrasing from telling yourself you're always at fault for everything can make all the difference.

The Power of Positivity

Positivity is a skill that everyone needs to learn, especially in these trying times. And what are positive thinking skills? It is a skill that many people struggle with, but it's not impossible. In fact, there are many ways to train your mind for positivity. If you're struggling with this skill and want to know what are positive thinking skills, then let's take a look at some of them. One of the first things to remember when looking at the positive thinking skills list is that all changes begin with our thoughts. Once we can identify which thoughts need improvement, we can work on doing just that. 

When we recognize negative thought patterns such as catastrophizing or comparing ourselves to others, those thoughts can be replaced by more realistic ones. A helpful way to do this is by using I statements and being aware of self-sabotaging behaviors so they can be corrected.


Being Proactive

-Developing your own personal goals and objectives

-Formulating realistic, achievable plans for attaining your goals 

-Seeing the value of your own thoughts and actions 

-Learning to self-motivate by focusing on the work at hand rather than looking to others for approval or reassurance. -Having a positive outlook toward the future and toward oneself; not be discouraged easily. 

-Taking responsibility for one's thoughts and feelings, which means you need to be honest with yourself about what is going on in your life and deal with it effectively. Taking responsibility also means that you make an effort not only to solve problems but also to prevent them from happening in the first place. It involves being proactive about solving problems instead of being reactive.


Managing Emotions

It is important to be able to manage your emotions. You have to learn how to calm down, think rationally, and not let the negativity of any situation affect you. There are a few skills that can help you with this. 

-Deep breathing: This will help bring your body back into a state of balance where it will be easier for you to think more rationally. 

-Positive affirmations: These can help by replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones, which will lead you to feel better. 

-Smiling: Smiling has been found to release endorphins that make us feel happy and less stressed. -Listening to music: Listening to upbeat music can lift your mood and energize you. 

-Journaling: Journaling can help clear your head so that you can better manage the way you feel in different situations.


Setting and Achieving Goals

The first is setting goals. This is something everyone can do and it can have a huge impact on your self-esteem, happiness, and success. Setting a goal gives you something to strive for, and when you reach it the sense of accomplishment is amazing! Try to set goals that are achievable but challenging. 

The second positive thinking skill is creating an action plan. This involves writing down all the steps needed to complete the goal or project along with what date each step needs to be completed so that there are no excuses for not getting things done. 

The third positive thinking skill is reframing thoughts. Reframing your thoughts means changing the way you look at things so they seem more positive or less stressful. For example, if you missed a deadline because of circumstances beyond your control, then instead of feeling bad about yourself, tell yourself this is just one obstacle in the journey towards achieving your goals. If someone disagrees with you politely tell them they might not understand where you're coming from because they don't know as much as you do about the subject. 

The fourth positive thinking skill is practicing gratitude. Studies show that people who practice gratitude live happier lives and feel healthier than those who don't. All it takes is taking a few minutes every day to list three things that went well today or five things you're grateful for in general and then go back through them periodically throughout the day to give you some perspective on what's going right in life.


Overcoming Obstacles

It's easy to get discouraged when we encounter obstacles in life. It can feel like everything is against us and sometimes it feels like there's nothing we can do about it. But, that couldn't be further from the truth! We have the power to turn any obstacle into a personal triumph, so long as we keep looking for solutions instead of giving up. Here are some positive thinking skills that will help you stay motivated and overcome any obstacle: 

-Find your motivation: Everyone has their own idea of what makes them happy or successful, so find out what yours is and use that to fuel your drive toward success. 

-Reach out for support: No one can do it all on their own, so reach out for help when you need it! There's no shame in asking for assistance, but make sure to only ask those who you know will offer it unconditionally. Remember, no does not mean never, just not now. 

-Learn something new: If there was ever a time to try something new and take risks, it's when things seem impossible. Learning something new keeps our brains sharp and prevents boredom from setting in which can lead to negative thoughts. Plus, learning something new means being more aware of the world around you which always brings positivity!


Building Relationships

Relationships are the backbone of society. They are what keep society thriving. Whether it be a relationship between partners, friends, or siblings, there is always someone to rely on when times get tough. People need someone to talk to and share their problems with. A good friend can help you see your problems in a different light or offer advice that may be helpful in some way. Plus, people who are close to you will often give you positive reinforcement and make you feel like whatever problem you have doesn't seem as big as it seemed before.

Positive thinking skills also involve being able to handle everyday stresses that come your way. When stress comes your way, take time to stop and think about how much worse things could be. You don't want any part of life to make you miserable, so try not to dwell on anything negative. When we're happy, our bodies produce endorphins, which act as natural painkillers. When we're stressed out all the time our bodies produce cortisol, which has an adverse effect on many parts of our health including our immune system. Remember these positive thinking skills so you can live your best life!


Being resilient

The first skill that is necessary for positive thinking is resilience. Resilience means being able to bounce back from adversity and challenges. When faced with a difficult situation, resilient people don't give up or crumble under pressure; instead, they find the inner strength to keep moving forward. Resilience is a great life skill because it helps you maintain your happiness when things are going well, as well as when you're faced with difficulties. This ability also enables you to keep your perspective, which can help you move past any problems that arise in life. Building self-esteem: Another key component of positive thinking skills is building self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to how much confidence you have in yourself and your abilities, as well as how much value you place on yourself and what you have to offer. In order to foster feelings of self-worth, it's important not only to think about your strengths but also about all the things that make you special and individual.


Conclusion

Positive thinking is a skill that can be learned. When you take the time to teach it to yourself, you'll find that your attitude and outlook on life will change for the better. All it takes is a little bit of patience and dedication, and soon enough you'll be able to transform your thoughts into something more positive. It's okay if you slip up every now and then because that just means that you're human. The key is learning how to get back on track after being knocked down by negativity. You are in control of what goes through your head, so don't let anyone else dictate the words in your mind. Whether you want to or not, your thought process dictates who you are as a person. If all of your thoughts have been negative for years, it might feel like an uphill battle at first. But don't give up! Being optimistic about things is hard at first, but becomes easier over time.


What Is The Positive Psychology Perspective?Motivation12channel.


What Is The Positive Psychology Perspective?



The positive psychology perspective focuses on what makes us feel good and keeps us happy, whereas the traditional psychology perspective focuses on what makes us feel bad and keeps us miserable. Although this may seem like common sense, it’s an important distinction to make when considering all the factors that contribute to a person’s overall well-being. By exploring these differences, we can learn ways to increase our own positive well-being in life and the success of others around us.

A Brief Overview of Positive Psychology

The positive psychology perspective is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study and promotion of human happiness, well-being, and meaning. This perspective was founded by Dr. Martin Seligman in 1998. Seligman's work revealed that four facets are necessary to create an enjoyable life: positive emotions, engagement, good relationships with others, and meaning or purpose. Research has shown that those who are able to live a fulfilling life have the capability of changing their outlook on negativity. A number of years ago, Professors Amitai Shenhav and David Krahn studied how people reacted to difficult situations in order to find out whether or not they could change their outlook on it. In one experiment, participants were made uncomfortable using cold water from the air conditioner for 30 minutes while performing mental tasks such as solving math problems. For some participants, once they were done, they were given new clothes (without being asked) whereas for other participants they had no change after the experiment.


The Three Pillars of Positive Psychology

According to positive psychology, there are three pillars of happiness: the present moment, hope, and relationships. It is important to be mindful of what we are doing in the present moment to enjoy it as much as possible. Every event happens to have a beginning and an end, so it is best to have some hope for what may happen next. Relationships are not only about human interactions; one's relationship with themselves has a significant impact on their overall well-being. Negative thoughts can lead to negative feelings which can lead to negative behaviors, but living in a state of gratitude will result in positive thoughts, which will result in more happiness. So what exactly is the positive psychology perspective? The answer lies within each person who wants to find out more and make changes!


How Positive Psychology Can Benefit You

The best way to think of the positive psychology perspective is that it's a way of thinking about how we can make our lives better. It's been around for almost a century but has only recently become popularized in Western culture. This perspective is rooted in the idea that our thoughts and feelings have an impact on our lives, and that if we want to be happy we need to change those thoughts and feelings. It focuses on what people do well instead of what they lack or do poorly, which helps us see where we're succeeding. When you apply this theory to your own life, you'll find that you're better able to identify strengths and build on them because the positive psychology perspective makes it clear which behaviors are considered healthy and which ones aren't. What’s even more interesting is that applying the positive psychology perspective can lead to increased happiness levels by 20%. We’re also more likely to live longer when we incorporate what we know about positivity in our daily lives. What does this mean for you? Simply put, living a happier and healthier life!


Practicing Positive Psychology in Your Everyday Life

The positive psychology perspective is all about the idea that humans are motivated to seek happiness and avoid suffering. There are three main branches of the perspective: hedonism, eudaimonia, and self-actualization. Hedonism is the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. Eudaimonia is self-development through virtue and meaningful relationships with others. Self-actualization is developing one's potential in order to achieve a sense of self-fulfillment. If you’ve ever heard someone say they want to be the best version of themselves, then you’re familiar with this branch. These theories have guided many schools of thought for more than 2500 years - it's what Aristotle called the highest good and the Greeks called eudaimonia. It's also what Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls flow or the state of optimal human performance.


Conclusion:

The positive psychology perspective is about happiness and well-being. It's about how we can make the most of life, and how we can live a meaningful life. But what does that mean exactly? Well, it's not always easy to know. Figuring out what you want to do in your life can be tough, but it doesn't have to be impossible. The first step is taking the time to think about what's important to you in your day-to-day life. What are your values? What makes you happy? What do you hope for the future of humanity and the planet earth? Once you've answered these questions, you'll know where to start looking for answers on how to create a meaning full life for yourself!

Is Positive Psychology Legitimate?Motivation12channel.




Is Positive Psychology Legitimate?


A common criticism leveled against positive psychology research is that it’s not really science, but rather just an excuse to pat people on the back and make them feel better about themselves. Is this claim justified? And if so, what are the negative effects of positive psychology? This article will discuss how positive psychology research has been received by the scientific community as well as how it has helped improve people’s lives.

What is positive psychology?

Positive psychology is the scientific study of human flourishing. It focuses on mental health, well-being, and happiness rather than pathology. The goal of positive psychology is to understand what leads to a happy and fulfilling life, as well as how this can be achieved.
Positive psychologists focus on enhancing positive moods, emotions, and attitudes in order to improve overall well-being. There are three major ways that can be done: by increasing one's sense of social connection; by engaging in new activities that are personally meaningful; or by cultivating optimism about the future. Positive psychologists also often take a person-centered approach. They put an emphasis on each individual’s unique strengths and resources so they can reach their full potential.
Positive psychology has had many benefits for people with depression, eating disorders, cancer survivors, couples seeking therapy, athletes who want to excel at their sport, and people who simply want to live happier lives! 
Positive psychology is not just some pseudoscience - it actually has evidence supporting its claims!

The history of positive psychology

Positive psychology is a relatively new discipline that addresses the study of what makes people healthy and happy. It's been around since 1998 when Martin Seligman founded the field of positive psychology. There are five key components of positive psychology: mindfulness, strong relationships, meaning in life, achievement, and optimism.
Positive psychology has been viewed as legitimate by many researchers in a variety of fields; however, there are some critics who believe it isn't a real science because it doesn't adhere to the same standards as other sciences. Nevertheless, these criticisms have not diminished the number of people who see positive psychology as a legitimate field with valuable insights into human wellness. The American Psychological Association and International Positive Psychology Association both recognize positive psychology as an established discipline. 

Some of the most popular research from positive psychologists includes how gratitude can increase your well-being, why you should be kind to yourself first before anyone else, and how optimism can make your day better. 
There is no doubt that taking time out of each day for self-compassion or practicing gratitude will lead to more happiness!

The benefits of positive psychology

Positive psychology is legitimate. It has been used to help people manage their health and well-being, increase their chances of success, and improve their quality of life. The use of positive psychologists should be considered a valuable resource for many reasons. One reason is that it provides support to those suffering from mental illness. Another reason is that it can be used as part of the treatment plan for those with mental illness in conjunction with medication, therapy, or other treatments. Still another reason to consider this form of therapy is that it can reduce the time someone stays in the hospital and make them more independent once they are released. Finally, counseling by a psychologist can be an inexpensive way to get help without having to spend money on medications or other treatments. Those who provide these services often works in schools, churches, businesses, hospitals, prisons, and clinics. They may also work in private practices where clients may visit one on one or join a group session. Those considering using this type of service will want to find out if the therapist is certified by any recognized organization (e.g., American Psychological Association).

The criticism of positive psychology

Positive psychology is a legitimate field of study, and it should be taken seriously. However, some critics argue that it lacks scientific grounding and that the evidence in favor of positive psychology is not as rigorous as the evidence for mainstream psychology fields such as clinical psychology or cognitive-behavioral therapy. 
Some people go so far as to say that positive psychology only exists because there are no serious academic critiques of it and that the whole field is built on anecdotes and fads. This is simply not true; there are plenty of academics who take their work very seriously. For example, Steven Hayes is an important scholar in the field of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Other criticisms include that this type of research may focus too much on finding ways to feel good rather than solving real-world problems. Again, this criticism is false. In fact, many positive psychologists have worked hard to find ways to solve real-world problems like addiction and depression. These mental health issues have impacted countless lives over time, but now we have access to effective treatments for them thanks largely due to contributions from psychologists who focused on increasing well-being alongside treating mental illness.

Conclusion
Some may argue that positive psychology is not a legitimate branch of science. But with more and more research coming out, it's apparent that the field has made significant strides in the last decade. It's also important to keep in mind that this is an emerging field, and there are still many questions left unanswered. So while some may not agree with it being a legitimate branch of science just yet, we can at least say that positive psychology is on its way to becoming one. With the continued hard work of scientists, psychologists, and anyone who wants to help promote happiness throughout society, we'll be able to have much more information on how our brains work as well as what makes people happy or sad.


 

How Positive Thinking Differs from Positive Psychology-Motivation12channel.



Growing up, your teachers may have emphasized the importance of positive thinking, encouraging you to look on the bright side of life and visualize good things happening to you. In fact, this isn’t just something your teachers encouraged you to do; there’s plenty of research that shows that practicing positive thinking can have a strong impact on your health and well-being. However, while positive thinking and positive psychology are both geared toward making you feel happier, they are not one and the same. Here’s how these two strategies compare and contrast with each other.



The definition of positive thinking

Positive thinking is a way to think about the world in a more positive light. It can be described as thinking positively or talking positively. Positive thinking is typically associated with an optimistic attitude and often includes looking on the bright side of life, making the best of a bad situation, and believing that good things will happen. 

Positive psychology, on the other hand, is based on scientific research and empirical evidence. The goal of positive psychology is to study what makes people happy and successful. One example of this would be resilience training programs which help people develop skills that allow them to bounce back after difficult experiences. Some studies have shown that positive psychology interventions may work better than purely mental exercises such as self-talk, visualization, and affirmations because they address the whole person instead of just their thoughts. For instance, one study found that three months of physical activity improved mood and reduced depression symptoms for participants who had been sedentary before the start of the program. 

Positive psychology differs from positive thinking mainly in two ways: it is grounded in science while also addressing how our outer environment affects us. Positive thinkers might only focus on trying to change how they feel internally without considering how external factors like social connection or environmental conditions are impacting them as well.



The definition of positive psychology

Positive psychology is a broad field of study that encompasses the study of human flourishing. Essentially, it takes into account what makes humans happy and how we can maximize those things to lead happier lives. It also examines how our surroundings influence our happiness and what skills are necessary for leading a flourishing life. It's often confused with positive thinking, but there is a difference between the two. This blog post will help you better understand the difference between positive psychology and positive thinking so you can decide which one is right for you. First, the two fields differ in their origins. The original definition of psychology was the science of the soul. Whereas the original definition of philosophy was the love or knowledge of wisdom. So as you can see, this means that psychology used to focus on understanding people's thoughts and behaviors. Whereas philosophy used to focus on providing guidelines for wise living in alignment with virtue. Today, the fields have grown closer together because both psychologists and philosophers want people to live well-balanced lives--so they've combined their expertise in order to do this! But this doesn't mean they're identical! In fact, if you look closely at the definitions of each discipline, you'll notice subtle differences. First off, when defining positive psychology, it says that it focuses on understanding people's thoughts and behaviors. Whereas when defining philosophy, it says that it provides guidelines for wise living in alignment with virtue. Second off, when defining positive thinking many times they mention having an optimistic mindset while positivity refers to a subjective mental state which can be influenced by one's environment.


The difference between the two

The difference between positive psychology and positive thinking is that one is grounded in empirical evidence and the other is not. The goal of positive psychology, or happiness science, is to increase individuals' well-being. It's based on scientifically proven methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). The goal of self-help books like The Secret or The Power of Now is to help people increase their happiness by focusing on their thoughts. These thoughts are often based on pseudoscience or spiritual principles that aren't backed up by scientific research. 

Positive psychology focuses on empirically-proven practices that have been shown to work, while positive thinking relies on vague notions that may or may not make someone feel better. The difference can be found in the two fields' different goals: The goal of positive psychology is to improve an individual’s well-being; the goal of positive thinking is only to make an individual feel better. Even if those feelings don't last, it doesn't matter because all that matters is feeling good for now.


Conclusion

Positive psychology is a scientific field of study that focuses on the understanding and promotion of human flourishing. The goal is to identify ways in which we can build happy, healthy, and more fulfilled lives. One way to do this is through implementing positive behavior change that starts with recognizing what we need to be happy. Positive thinking, on the other hand, can be misleading because it only focuses on one aspect of our lives - our thoughts- while ignoring all other aspects such as work or relationships. If you're looking for a way to cultivate happiness in your life, positive psychology might be worth checking out! What's the difference between positive psychology and positive thinking? Positive psychology is a scientific field of study that focuses on the understanding and promotion of human flourishing. The goal is to identify ways in which we can live happy, healthy, and more fulfilling lives. One way to do this is through implementing positive behavior change by identifying what makes us happy so that we know how to strive towards those things every day (i.e., developing an empowering sense of self). A person who simply follows their positive thoughts could end up neglecting all other aspects of their life like work or relationships if they are not practicing these skills too. It's also important not to give into every thought--positive or negative--that comes into our heads but instead try just paying attention without reacting either positively or negatively.

7 Steps to a Happier Life According to Positive Psychology



Positive psychology is the study of psychological well-being and happiness, and it’s become one of the hottest areas of psychology over the last decade or so. One of the largest benefits of positive psychology has been its ability to teach people how to make small changes in their lives that can lead to big changes in their outlook and overall happiness with life. Follow these seven steps to become happier, according to positive psychology research.



1) Define your happiness

The term happiness means different things to different people. For some, it's about material possessions or monetary wealth. For others, it's about the richness of their relationships with other people and the fulfillment they get from their work. 

At its core, happiness is a positive emotion that is brought on by an experience that leaves you feeling content and fulfilled. And while there are many factors that can lead you to feel happy, there are also a number of steps you can take in order to maintain your sense of contentment and live a happier life. Here are seven simple steps that will help bring more happiness into your life according to positive psychology: 

1) Spend time on a regular basis doing something for yourself that brings you joy; this could be as simple as taking a relaxing bath after a long day at work or making time for a hobby that brings you great pleasure. 2) Avoid focusing solely on what isn't going well in your life and instead make sure to celebrate the positives; even if it's something small like being able to enjoy coffee every morning without worrying about running out, try counting up all of the good things going on in your life when times are tough and remind yourself how fortunate you really are.


2) Set realistic goals

One of the first steps to a happier life is setting realistic goals. Goals should be achievable and not too far outside of your comfort zone. It's important that you set goals that are specific and measurable so that you can measure how successful you've been in achieving them. In other words, I want to feel more confident isn't a good goal because it isn't specific or measurable. I want to find three new activities I enjoy doing every week is better because there's a clear outcome and it isn't too big for someone just starting out. Focus on one thing at a time: Positive psychologists suggest focusing on one thing at a time. Focusing on multiple tasks at once may make you less happy because they don't get the attention they need. Not only will this produce worse results, but it can also cause stress when trying to juggle many tasks. Spend time with people who make me happy: Asking yourself what makes you happy may lead you down a difficult road, but it's also an interesting question to explore and ponder over which could help create meaning in your life. Spending time with people who make me happy is one way to increase happiness in my day-to-day life by spending meaningful moments with people who bring joy into my own experience


3) Express gratitude

It's easy to take the small things we have for granted, but they can make a huge difference in our day-to-day lives. For example, when I wake up in the morning, I say a quick thank you for my bed, my coffee machine (even if it doesn't work and I have to brew coffee manually), and my shower. I then thank myself for getting out of bed and making myself a hot drink before starting my day. Doing this every morning, it helps me feel more grateful for the little things that go unnoticed on a daily basis. This gratitude helps improve your mood and sense of well-being because you're appreciating what you have instead of focusing on what is missing from your life. One study found that practicing gratitude by keeping a journal or writing a letter of thanks helped participants experience fewer depressive symptoms over time and increased their overall satisfaction with their lives. Expressing gratitude also has an immediate impact: studies show people who keep a gratitude diary (in which they record five things each day that made them happy) felt happier and less stressed than those who did not keep one. In addition to listing five things you are grateful for, researchers suggest finding new ways to be thankful - such as playing your favorite song or indulging in a slice of cake - each day.



4) Invest in relationships

1. Invest in relationships. Relationships are the most effective way of combating the effects of stress and anxiety. Studies have found that relationships are a key component in leading a happy, healthy life. 2. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is simply the act of being present in the moment, without judgment or evaluation. 3. Try yoga or meditation as a means of relaxation and reducing stress levels as well as an opportunity for self-care 4. Get enough sleep - Staying up late can make you feel tired, cranky, and even depressed 5) Exercise regularly 6) Eat healthily with variety 7) Take time out for yourself every day 8) Spend time doing things you enjoy 9) Travel 10) Keep your chin up 11).


5) Be mindful

1) Be mindful of your thoughts. This means that you become aware of how you are feeling and think about the possible reasons for this. 2) Be mindful of your body. This means that you become aware of what is happening in your body and try to understand why it is happening. 3) Be mindful of your surroundings. This means that you notice the world around you, what people are doing, what noises there is etcetera. Try not to judge anything or get distracted by other things, but focus on the present moment and be open to new experiences. 4) Be mindful of your actions: a blog about positive psychology. 5) Be present with others: a blog about positive psychology. 6) Give yourself a break: a blog about positive psychology. 7).


6) Act like you're happy

People often think of positive psychology as a way to cope with mental illness, but it can also help us achieve balance and happiness. To be happier, we need to focus on our strengths, express gratitude for what we have in our lives, and spend more time with people who make us feel good. 

1) Think about your strengths and skills. 

2) Spend some time doing things you're good at. 

3) Get enough sleep, exercise, and do activities that bring meaning into your life. This can include volunteering or learning something new every day. 4) Find humor in difficult situations. Humor doesn't always mean laughter, sometimes it's about finding the levity or beauty within the situation. The next time you find yourself feeling down, try looking for the humor around you. You'll be surprised by how much better you'll feel!


7) Live in the present

A lot of times we dwell on what could have been or what might happen, but learning how to live in the present moment can really help us become more mindful and conscious. This is because in the present moment you don't need to worry about the past or future; you are able to just focus on the now. This can lead to a happier life because you will be able to simply enjoy everything that comes your way without letting it stress you out. 


Conclusion

1. Find a personal value that makes you happy. 

2. Make a list of things you can do today to make yourself happier. 

3. Write down three things that made you happy today and why they made you happy. 

4. Be mindful of your thoughts, and avoid negative self-talk at all costs! 

5. Practice gratitude by taking time to reflect on what you have, not what you don't have (I know it's hard!). 

6. Take care of your body by eating well and exercising regularly! 

7. Spend some time with people who make YOU feel good about yourself! 8. Surround yourself with positive influences and stay away from people who bring you down. 

9. Seek out meaningful work or hobbies that challenge your abilities in some way, whether physically or intellectually! 

10. Understand the difference between good stress and bad stress--both are necessary in life but one leads to success while the other leads to failure--and then take appropriate action depending on which one is happening in your life right now!