Reprogram Your Mind: How to Become a Positive and Happy Person

This may be surprising, but as human beings we have the ability to influence how we feel by changing the way our brain works.

Our brains can create new neurons (brain cells) that strengthen positive feelings, and over time, we can weaken and reduce the neurons connected to negative ones.

Every action, word, or thought triggers activity in certain brain cells called neurons. When we repeat a thought, word, or action over and over, it forms a sort of mental “pathway” — a pattern that becomes stronger the more we use it. This is what is known as a neural network.

When certain neurons are active together frequently, their connection gets stronger. When we repeatedly think, say, or do something, we form more connections and reinforce them. The stronger this network becomes, the more that habit — whether it’s a way of thinking, speaking, or acting — becomes automatic and harder to break.

This is true for anything we practice a lot - math, playing an instrument, or improving memory. Repetition strengthens the parts of the brain responsible for those skills.

Thoughts, too, are like mental pathways in the brain. The more we repeat a thought, the more deeply that pathway gets carved into our brain. Each time we revisit a certain thought, we strengthen that neural connection and make the thought easier to access next time. Over time, those repeated thoughts become automatic — they simply pop into our head without effort.

If we start practicing positive thinking or building healthy habits — even if they feel awkward or forced at first — it will get easier and more natural over time. With each experience, we are strengthening the brain circuits that support those patterns.

On the flip side, the brain weakens connections that aren’t being used. If a certain part of the brain remains unused for a long time, those brain cells begin to shrink and disconnect from other areas. When we interrupt a negative thought or emotional reaction — and stop letting it play out automatically — the brain starts to break down that connection. The more we push away a negative thought, the less power it holds over time.

Since repeated thinking rewires the brain, even repeating positive affirmations or practicing encouraging self-talk can reshape how we see ourselves and our lives. Over time, those positive beliefs become more natural and automatic and become embedded in our belief system.

By consciously rewiring our thoughts, we can build a stronger sense of confidence in our abilities, develop a healthier outlook on life, stay motivated to make changes, and feel more hopeful about ourselves and our future.

From Shuli Shmueli's new book "Mind Creates Reality." To purchase, visit Hidabroot Shop or call: 073-222-1250