Think positive, be positive

'An optimist understands that life can be a bumpy road, but at least it is leading somewhere. They learn from mistakes and failures, and are not afraid to fail again' - Elbert Hubbard.

Student life can be tough these days. Having weekly assignments and assessments means it is easy to get stuck in a rut, or to feel like you are not succeeding. One thing is clear; students need all the support they can get.

When you hear people pushing you to ’be positive', you might not know where to feel that positivity from. Perhaps you see nothing around you that feels immediately positive and uplifting. Being positive is possible if you are willing to train your mind every now and then, but it takes a lot of practice.

Our minds are wired to look out for threats and dangers so that we can protect ourselves, and this mechanism was effective in the past, for survival purposes. Now this very thinking can obstruct our progress. We are dwelling more on what can go wrong than what can go right. Students are feeling lots of pressure, be it from parents, professors or peers and for them to manage all of it requires immense patience coupled with a positive attitude.

The mind is a powerful tool. This has become especially relevant in my life as a University student, where my life is full of trying, unexpected and overwhelming moments. For instance, when I feel myself becoming overly stressed out with assignments, studying or extracurricular activities, I have to constantly remind myself that there isn’t anything that I cannot handle! I occupy my mind with positive thoughts of encouragement, and I constantly remind myself that the end product will always be worth it. The power of positive thinking allows me to surpass my limits everyday – it helps me think miles outside of the box. I spend less time worrying and stressing, and more time striving and becoming better.

However, the biggest reminder in this whole process is the understanding that failure and hardships are inevitable. How you deal with failure and overcome obstacles reveals the most about your character than victory after victory. Accepting failure keeps your mind strong and ready for what will come.

Happiness is not something ready-made, it comes from our own actions, and positive thinking key to happiness. The students who are able to maintain positivity in themselves are the people who are able to keep themselves happy much of the time. So stay happy and count your blessings! Get pleasure out of the simple things in life and listen to your internal dialogue.

'Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out' - Benjamin Franklin.

Positive thinking isn’t just a soft and fluffy feel – good term, but something you can actively pursue. To put it simply, seek joy, play often and pursue adventure. Your brain will do the rest! I leave you with a poem which encapsulates the power of positive thinking.

Thinking (Walter D. Wintle)

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost;
For out in this world we find
Success begins with a person's will
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the person who wins
Is the one who thinks he can!

Haala is studying the LLB via distance learning in Pakistan