THE STRAITS TIMES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2016
bigonkindness
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Power of a can-do attitude When confronted with a problem or challenge, what do you do? Little Red Dot finds out about the benefits of a positive mindset
TRY THIS QUICK QUIZ
TINKLE FRIEND SAYS
When faced with a significant challenge, which of the following better describes your reaction? a. Just keep trying. I can do this! b. Just give up. Nothing can save me now.
Scenario 1 Your teacher asks if you would like to take on a leadership position in school next year, as a prefect or a class monitor. You feel honoured to be asked, but also a bit nervous about the prospect of taking on new responsibilities. How would you react?
If your answer is “a”, you are a positive thinker!
T
aking a glass half-full approach to life is not just being optimistic – such thinking also promotes better health. The Mayo Clinic says, among other things, positive thinkers: O Live longer; O Have higher resistance to the common cold; O Are less likely to die from heart disease; and O Cope better with stress. Getting started is simple. For instance, surround yourself with people who are forward-looking instead of morose. You can also make a conscious choice to use a tone of voice and words that are uplifting, cheerful, or kind, rather than ones that are hurtful, angry or sarcastic. In contrast, responding to situations in a negative manner, like if you chose option “b” in the quiz, often makes one feel increasingly stuck and helpless. Research shows that when one thinks negatively, the brain shuts most of the other options out, focusing only on emotions such as fear, anger and pain. So the next time you encounter a challenge, such as when taking part in a sporting event, do not forget that a positive mindset is the healthier choice.
Tinkle Friend: Congratulations! Don’t forget to share the good news with your friends and family. You might be uncertain if you should take up the position, but I think it is normal to feel nervous especially when it comes to trying something new. Give yourself a pep talk, by reminding yourself that your teacher sees the potential in you. Furthermore, you will be able to serve your school community. That is something to be proud of.
ACTIVITY What about you? Are you facing a challenge in your life? Write it down in the space below. Then think about how you can use a positive mindset to tackle it.
Scenario 2 As the year progresses, so too does the complexity of school work. You do not think you are doing as well as you should be, and hope to do better. What could you do? Tinkle Friend: First of all, do not blame yourself. Focus instead on measurable things you can do. For instance, set small goals that are achievable. If you are failing a subject, aim to pass it. If you have scored a passing grade, then aim to score five marks more than the last time, and so on. Small steps will add up with time. Consult a teacher or parent to help you figure out where your strengths and weaknesses lie. For instance, you may understand a maths concept but are too slow in completing test questions within the time limit. This way, you can work on shoring up your weaknesses. Practice makes perfect!
WHAT IS TINKLE FRIEND? Tinkle Friend is a national toll-free hotline and chatline for primary school pupils. Counsellors from this project by the Singapore Children’s Society are happy to listen, give advice, or provide information to young people who call up looking for a friend, especially during the times when their parents or main guardians are not around. The helpline, which can be reached on 1800-2744-788, is open on weekdays from 2.30pm to 5pm. You can also chat online with Tinkle Friend on weekdays at 2.30pm to 5.30pm, and on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at www.tinklefriend.com.
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