Introduction

This article explores the far-reaching influence our outlook has on our lives and provides four key insights on harnessing this power to create the life we truly desire.

Outlook, what is it?

Outlook is a person’s general perspective on life, how they view and process their experiences and the world around them. Think of your outlook as the invisible lens you view and interpret life through. It impacts your expectations, your hopes, and beliefs about how things will turn out.

How is outlook developed?

There is growing study and research to understand the inner workings of the human brain, how we process information and the impact that has on our overall quality of life. Have you ever thought about the miracles that happen every day but are so common that they go unnoticed? How does your heart know how to beat? How do you see colors or know what a rose smells like? Our feet and legs carry us from place to place through an unconscious decision to move in a certain direction. Blood flows through our bodies carrying nutrients; we breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, all without thinking about it.

For the most part, we don’t think about our outlook. Instead most humans move through life on autopilot. We get up in the morning, go to work, complete daily tasks, complete our evening rituals and then do it all over again the next day. Our mind is constantly thinking and perceiving our environment, but what shapes your outlook?

According to Dr. Bruce Lipton, perception is shaped from birth to 7 years. Our beliefs and habits programmed by our environment. During this time frame children constantly observe and perceive the world around them, these experiences become a database of programs that are built upon, shaping our perception of the world. These thoughts become habits, and over time our habitual habits become our reality.

The Link between Thoughts and Reality on Outlook

Our thoughts serve as the building blocks of our reality. Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” This quote succinctly captures the idea that our thoughts shape the outcomes we experience. When we harbor positive and empowering thoughts, we attract positivity and opportunities into our lives. On the other hand, negative thoughts create a self-imposed barrier to success and hinder personal growth.

Neuroscience has increasingly supported this notion, with studies highlighting the impact of positive thinking on brain structure and overall well-being. Positive thoughts release neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin, which improve mood and enhance cognitive abilities. In contrast, negative thoughts trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, leading to increased anxiety, decreased cognitive function, and compromised physical health.

Measure your Outlook Barometer

Do you tend to see the glass as half empty or half full? It’s human nature to focus on the negative. How do we shift negative thinking to positive thinking?

1. The first step to changing your outlook is to pay attention to your thinking-awareness.

Your brain is constantly active and thinking because it is the control center for all of our bodily functions and processes. It is responsible for receiving and processing information from our senses, coordinating movements, regulating our internal organs, and enabling our thoughts, emotions, and memories.

Thinking is a fundamental cognitive process that allows us to analyze information, solve problems, make decisions, and engage in various activities. Even when we are not consciously aware of it, our brain is still working in the background, processing information and maintaining our body’s vital functions. Additionally, factors like internal mental chatter, daydreaming, and the inherent nature of consciousness contribute to the continuous stream of thoughts in our mind. Pay attention to your thoughts.

2. Be intentional about changing negative thoughts to positive thoughts-intention.

According to neuroscientists, 95% of the time humans function from their subconscious mind. Our decisions, actions, and behaviors flow from automatic responses which are developed through the programming process. Our brain functions from a conscious state only 5% of the time. Conscious thought is intentional. It requires planning and taking control of your thoughts.

This explains why a person can read a self-help book, can tell you about what they read, but change is not evidenced in behavior. The subconscious mind is functioning from programming 95% of the time, the key to intentionally replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Choose to see the positive in every situation. For example, a couple days prior to writing this blog, just as I was exit the parking lot at my church I realized my car had a flat tire. Instead of complaining, I was grateful I discovered the flat tire before getting on the busy expressway.

3. How to change your script-transformation

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change”- Albert Einstein

Just as our thoughts become habits and habitual thoughts become our reality, we can change our outlook and develop new habits through repetition.  Practice having a positive outlook.  Below you will find 4 practical techniques to harness the power of positive thinking:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation allows us to observe our thoughts without judgment and cultivate a state of mental clarity. By becoming aware of our thought patterns, we can consciously choose positive and empowering thoughts, redirecting our focus towards what we desire.

• Affirmations and Visualization: Repeating positive affirmations and visualizing the desired outcome with vivid detail helps rewire our thoughts, reinforcing positive beliefs and attracting corresponding experiences into our lives.

• Gratitude: Gratitude shifts our mindset from lack to abundance, amplifying positive vibrations and attracting more to be grateful for. By regularly expressing gratitude for what we already have, we create a fertile ground for attracting even greater blessings.
• Surrounding ourselves with Positivity: Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who radiate positivity and support our growth is crucial. Negative influences can dampen our progress and draw us back into self-limiting thoughts.
• Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

For more tips and inspiration watch Tony T. Robinson’s 10 Steps to Positive Thinking

Conclusion:

The power of our outlook cannot be underestimated. Our outlook influence our emotions, behaviors, and overall perception of life. By cultivating positivity, we not only experience greater personal fulfillment and happiness, but we also contribute positively to the world around us. So, let us strive to embrace optimism, nurture a positive perspective, and live our lives to the fullest.

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