Introduction 1 PART 1: POSITIVE THINKING VS NEGATIVE THINKING 3 Understanding the power of positive and negative thinking 4 Understanding the positive intentions of negative thinking 6 Understanding narrow and broad thinking 8 Recognising the way you're thinking 10 Recognising cognitive distortions 12 Rewiring your brain 14 Challenging your thoughts: are they helpful? 16 Challenging your thoughts: are you certain? 18 Identifying alternative perspectives 20 Moving on to positive thoughts 22 PART 2: POSITIVE THINKING AND POSITIVE ACTION 25 Having goals 26 Identifying your options 28 Taking positive steps 30 Using positive visualisation 32 Being flexible 34 Getting motivated 36 Staying motivated 38 Using positive body language 40 PART 3: MAKING POSITIVE THINKING A HABIT 43 Being appreciative 44 Being kind 46 Being generous 48 Making a contribution 50 Giving compliments 52 Indulging in small pleasures 54 Using more positive language 56 Saying 'but' or 'and' 58 Saying 'should' or 'could' 60 Being more confident 62 Being with positive people 64 Consuming positive news 66 PART 4: POSITIVE THINKING FOR DIFFICULT SITUATIONS 69 Managing disappointments and setbacks 70 Being stuck in a job you don't like 72 Surviving trauma and tragedy 74 Dealing with being bullied 76 Having courage 78 Coping with criticism 80 Forgiving 82 Changing your mind 84 Dealing with guilt 86 Moving on from regret 88 Coping with worry and anxiety 90 Managing envy 92 Making new friends 94 Taking risks 96 Having a positive body image 98 Avoiding the blame game 100 Being non-judgemental 102 Coping with change 104 Answers to In Practice questions in Part One 106 More positive thinking quotes 108 About the author 110.