Focus on the Positive and Reduce Negativity with Useful Strategies with Dr. John F. Tholen

In this episode, I talk with Clinical Psychologist Dr. John F. Tholen about his book "Focused Positivity: The Path to Success and Peace of Mind". We discuss helpful strategies to deal with and cope with dysfunctional thoughts, negative self-talk, and negativity bias. John Tholen underlines the importance of trying to focus on what we can control in our lives and practicing forgiveness, gratitude, and positivity to make us feel better and inspire our best efforts. He also mentions how certain trauma and adverse childhood experiences may make us more understanding, sensitive, and aware, whereas mindfulness would be the first step to recognizing and identifying dysfunctional thought patterns and developing willpower, self-discipline, and resilience. Finally, we also talk about addiction in its different forms and patterns and how the Serenity Prayer can offer all of us much-needed wisdom and guidance.