If your decision is to follow a mundane Dharma path then the first thing one must learn is the power of positive thinking.
It is important also to learn how to avoid the traps, including the perilous idea of developing self-esteem and Identity-motivated success.
Correct and natural Positive thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images that are conducive to the growth and development of positive attitudes, intentions and readiness to respond. It is a mental attitude that does NOT raise Expectations, but understands the full range of outcome predictions.
This allows the favoring of paths that bring beneficial natural results with reduced Identity attachment.
A positive mind anticipates happiness, enjoyment, excitation and exhilaration, as well as a successful beneficial natural outcome of every situation. Whatever the mind expects, it opens itself to the opportunities which lead to these positive consequences. But it also prepares one for results that are not Identity-dominated.
If the Identities dominate, then positive thinking can support negative outcomes.
Demanding power or financial success is not beneficial for the human system if they are controlled by and satiate Identity attitudes. But the Identities can and do use positive thinking methods. This is a trap to be avoided.
If Always visualize only favorable and beneficial situations. Use positive words in your inner dialogues or
The first form of vigilance is to recognize negative thoughts that are a detriment to natural growth and harmony. This includes thoughts with a strong Identity satiation demand.
Actually consciously modify thoughts when recognized so that they become positive. It will at first not be easy, for the negative thought will persist. Persistence will eventually develop in the mind a constant tendency to think positively. Each positive thought, you see, is a new stimulus and repetition changes the habit strength of your thought responses which govern attitudes.
It is essential also to actually develop the "smiling" habit, at first forcing the act.
Just as the thoughts help recondition the positive thinking so does smiling... And don't forget to smile at your own folly when negative thoughts appear, for that is what they really are.
Another important factor to develop in addition to the tranquility is the chain of "patience, determination and perseverance."
The repetition of affirmative ideas and concepts is also important. Actually when positive thoughts enter, develop them together with the idea that negative consequences are just useful information and not in any way an assesment of the value of your attitudes or intentions if they have a sound base.
You can then see that circumstances beyond your control bring often results that may not be beneficial and natural.
THIS IS WHERE THE IMPORTANT DISCIPLINE OF CONFIDENCE MUST BE DEVELOPED. WHENEVER THERE ARE PROBLEMS REALIZE THAT THERE ARE ALSO TRIED AND TRUE SOLUTIONS... YOU HAVE TO PERSIST TO FIND THEM.
Remember the story of John Paul Jones... He was an American captain involved in a battle with superior English ships... His ship was damaged, his guns mostly out of action and his masts fallen.
The British fleet commander offered a noble surrender. John Paul Jones replied, "No sir, I have only just begun to fight." This is the attitude which you must develop, remembering that is your natural objectives that must be in focus, not those of Identity.
Buddha was clear also about another factor. Surround yourself with positive energy.
Nothing is more contagious than negativity, so surround yourself with positive like-minded people. At first it will be difficult, but when you begin to see the positive changes that allow a positive attitude then the rate of progress will increase.
Now it is important with this positive frame of reference to realize that the idea is to develop positive thinking that has the greatest elimination of Identity strength. The idea is not to destroy the Identity, which is impossible with this mundane approach, but to reduce its effectivity and symptoms.