How to Use Positive Energy to Succeed

Right now there's an energy field or aura around you that others can feel. Without saying anything you can emit a sense of peace, calm and other positive feelings that can inspire, uplift and energize the people with whom you come in contact.

On the other hand, you can repel people by giving off negative vibes such as tension, anxiety and anger. People who do so are called energy vampires, says Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist and author of a slew of books, including Positive Energy: 10 Extraordinary Prescriptions for Transforming Fatigue, Stress and Fear into Vibrance, Strength and Love. "These are people who can suck you dry and make you tired and depressed and worn out and feel like you want to nap," she says.

By all means do not be that person. If you want to succeed in business and life, you should aim to be magnetic, likeable and someone others want to be around. In other words, you want to emit positive energy. Here's Orloff's advice on how to do it.

Change your thoughts.

If you're thinking negative thoughts, just stop. Intentionally focus on the positive things happening in your life. "Let's say you're turning into a victim. Like 'Poor me. Everybody's against me. Nobody at work appreciates me. I'm never going to get my raise.' You're working yourself up in a negative frenzy," she says. 'You have to stop yourself and [think] 'No, I'm not going there.'" Think of it this way: Modern conveniences alone have elevated your quality of life immeasurably compared with the billions of people who have lived and died on this planet over the course of history. You have countless things for which to be grateful.

Improve your mood.

Listen to good music. Seek out a good laugh. Have sex when you get the opportunity. Or, engage in what Orloff calls a "three-minute positive energy meditation." It involves shutting the door to distractions, relaxing and focusing on a beautiful power image such as a sunset or waterfall. "You just take three minutes to shift and visualize something very positive," she says.

Take care of your body.

Exercise, for one thing. It gets endorphins--which act like morphine in the body--flowing to trigger positive feelings. Eat fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. Avoid sugar and diet soda. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.

Treat others well.

Don't gossip. Look at how you can serve others, help your coworkers and add something positive to your environment. Orloff also suggests "surrendering comparisons," which involves ceasing to want what other people have. "Rather, focus on what you do have and if you admire somebody then learn from them," she says. "Envy and jealousy...create negative energy."

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