In the previous sections, we learnt about some of the common negative thoughts that can contribute to feelings of unhappiness. Now that you understand these negative thoughts, you will be able to recognise them when they arise in your mind. However, while recognising negative thoughts is important, it alone will be of limited value in bringing about happiness. What is important is to overcome such thoughts so they do not negatively affect you. For this purpose, an important aspect of Happy Thinking is the use of psychological methods to challenge and weaken the power of negative thoughts. On this webpage, I will introduce you to the concept of psychological methods.
Now, wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were a magical machine that could destroy negative thoughts instantly!
Of course, such machines do not exist in reality, and I doubt something like that would be even possible in our lifetime. While our scientific understanding of how the brain works has progressed significantly, we still know very little.
However, fortunately for us, we now have a more realistic solution available. That is, the human mind possesses an extraordinary power: the ability to “rewire” itself. That is, our minds can analyse our thoughts and change them.
As part of Happy Thinking, I will share various psychological methods, so that one can pick and choose the ones they find easy to use and effective. It will be much like how a car mechanic uses different tools to fix a car that is not running well. However, unlike the toolbox a car mechanic uses, the Happy Thinking toolbox weighs nothing! The psychological methods are easy to carry in one’s mind, wherever one goes.
One may find that some psychological methods appear “simple”, which may tempt one to dismiss them. Do not confuse simple with being the same as being “ineffective”! Many solutions in life do not have to be complex, and the key is to judge for oneself whether something is helpful. One should not prejudge; instead, one should give the methods a chance before putting them away.
Negative ways of thinking can develop over many years and become entrenched in one’s mind, making it resistant to change. Therefore, please allow the methods time to work. Do not expect instant cures.
When it comes to the various methods, it’s important to keep an “open mind” to them and give them a chance. If one’s mind is closed, then the methods won’t have the access they need to be effective.
In the next sections, I will share various psychological methods with you, and I suggest you try them out. The ones you like, you can keep in your imaginary toolbox, and the rest you can put aside.
