Have you noticed that some people just seem to be lucky? It’s probably that they are looking for positive experiences every day.

If you think, “nothing good ever happens to me,” try switching around your view. Try reframing the situation – or looking for the good in the situation by telling yourself “I’m going to make the best out of the opportunities that come my way.”

Fans of manifestation say that thinking positive helps create positive pathways in your brain. Maybe… but if you are a more practical person, thinking positive sets you up for success. It not only attracts positive and helpful people to you, it also gives you the energy to seize opportunities.

If you are a person who says, “I never win,” it is the same as saying to yourself, “I do not deserve to win. I am not good enough.” Is this how you really feel?

It’s easy to dwell on negative things in life. But acknowledging the good things will create a more positive mindset. Commit to practising gratitude daily by repeating to yourself at the end of every day three things that you are grateful for. By focusing on the good things that you already have in your life you realise you have a lot to be happy about. Your brain starts to focus on what is good about your life.

Writing your thoughts down in a journal –- called journaling –- is a tool that can help you to focus your mind in an even more meaningful way. Writing down your dreams in a journal is a wonderful way to think about exactly you want to achieve, and the steps you need to get there.

If you find it hard to start writing, start by “free writing” or just writing whatever is in your head. Gradually you will find that it gets easier to describe what you really want from life.

Numerous psychology studies show that journaling can reduce overall levels of depression. A 2006 study of various different journaling programmes showed that writing in a journal can be as effective as therapy when it comes to reducing the risk of depression in young adults. Maybe because there’s something about getting all your thoughts out of your mind that helps you see solutions?

The easiest way to get stuck in a rut is to do the same thing every day. Nothing changes if nothing changes! Even the smallest action can be the start of positive change.

So what actions can you take today to get closer to your dress? It could be as simple as sending an email, signing up for a class, or creating a vision board with pictures of the kind of home you are saving up for. Whatever it is, do it. The art of manifesting is partly about thinking positive – but it is also about using that positive energy to give you the courage and enthusiasm to take action.

Life will throw problems at you, and you will suffer setbacks in your journey. But that’s no reason to give up your manifestation process. It helps to accept that sometimes weird things happen, but you have the courage and energy to cope. It also helps to remember that sometimes even good things have to fall apart so that even better things can happen to you. So take your thoughts and feelings and write them down, so you can acknowledge that this process is helping you grow and change.

When you are journaling, think about what you learnt from what happened. What positive lessons can you take from it? Develop some patience, because good things will happen for you at the right time.

Text: Bauer Syndication/ARE Media

Read Next

Happiness Scientist Sha-En Yeo On Learning How To Be Happy

3 Meaningful Ways You Can Express Gratitude Towards Your Loved Ones

How Mindful Journaling Can Curb Emotional Spending, As Shared By Real Women