We all have days where everything seems to be going wrong. Maybe you overslept, got stuck in traffic, or spilled coffee on your shirt. It’s inevitable that we will have negative experiences, but it’s how we choose to react to them that counts.
Positivity is about choosing to see the bright side of life. Having a positive outlook improves every area of your life. Studies show that positive thinking results in more success.
Although, don’t obsess about being positive or happy. Being too attached to anything creates suffering. No one is always happy or cheerful. No matter how much they strive to appear that way.
Research has shown that positive thinking can improve our mental and physical health. It can increase our life expectancy, reduce stress levels, and boost our immune system.
How do you do that? I’m glad you asked! Because here are some valuable tips for you to become more positive today.
It’s your choice to be negative or positive
Negative people focus on what’s wrong in their life. They worry about what others think of them. They pick apart their current life and their loved ones. A negative person will ignore all the good things in their life and obsess about what isn’t perfect. They criticize and judge others, even though it makes them look bad.
When you’re a positive person, you don’t dwell on past mistakes or bad experiences. Instead, you choose to learn from them. You think about your successes and let them motivate you. Think about the good aspects of your past, present, and future. Focus on the positive and you’ll create better results in your life.
Decide to be more positive
You can choose to react in a positive way to any obstacle in life. Nothing is all bad or all good, it’s what you decide to focus on. It feels great to be around a positive person. A positive attitude is contagious. People want to be around those who have this mindset. Choose to react to life with more positivity.
Cancel out negative thoughts with positivity
Life is full of ups and downs. But, that’s what makes it exciting! Try to be more positive, but don’t expect it all the time. It’s okay to feel sad or upset. You’re human!
However, it is beneficial to become more positive than negative. You focus on the good things in any situation and make the best out of what you’ve got.
When negative memories pop up in your mind, crush them with positive thoughts. Deflate these bad memories by stating something positive you learned from it. Remind yourself how much you’ve grown since then and how it’s irrelevant now.
Any time you catch yourself complaining or judging others, stop and switch it around. Think about the good things about today. Name some positive aspects about who you were judging.
Create a home that inspires positivity
How would you feel if you walked into a house and it looked like someone set off a clutter bomb? Plus, mysterious smells in every room and dust everywhere? Probably not very good for mental well-being.
If your home is like that, you might make the excuse that you’re used to it and no one comes over, so it’s not a big deal. Sorry, but it is a problem. You live in it. Your subconscious soaks up your environment and it’ll make you feel horrible even though you don’t know why.
Create an environment that instantly refreshes your soul. Clear out the clutter. Every item needs its own place to be. When you’re done using something put it back where it goes. Don’t tell yourself the old lie of, “I’ll put it back later.” Because “later” never comes. You’re setting yourself up to fail.
Play some upbeat music and spray and wipe all surfaces. Wash all dirty clothes and dishes. Light some candles. Make your home comfortable and welcoming. So when you walk in the door you don’t feel like you’ve entered a disaster zone. You feel a calming, positive vibe instead.
Take criticisms better
When someone tells you that you could do something better, don’t trip out. Be confident. If you explode in a defensive rage, you’ll look insecure and pathetic. We can all improve aspects of ourselves. It doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.
Listen to their criticism and use it to your advantage. Improve what they suggested. Then they can’t tell you about it again. Who knows, it could be the thing that’s been holding you back?
Watch your language!
The things you say alter how you feel, and how others see you. Start conversations with a positive statement. This will set the tone for the rest of the interaction. If someone asks you how you’re doing don’t say the following things:
“I’m exhausted!”
“I’m hanging in there.”
“Fine.”
“I’m waiting for Friday.”
“I’m so busy!”
These responses have become common. Don’t take part in them. Instead, respond in a positive way like:
“I’m doing great. It’s such a beautiful day! How are you?”
Responding like this can boost your mood and the other person’s too.
Change your body language too.
Your thoughts and body are intimately connected. So much so that you can project a positive body language and it will make you feel better. If you’re struggling to think positively, change how you’re sitting or standing. Try it out now. Straighten your back and lift your head up. Smile. Voila!
Do something nice for someone else.
Negative people don’t bother to do nice things for others. They won’t even be nice to themselves. But, causing someone else to smile will make you feel amazing. Helping one person can boost your attitude for the rest of the day!
Nice things to do for others include:
- Compliment someone who looks sad.
- Call someone who’s going through a hard time.
- Give a homeless person some food.
- Talk to a shy or new person.
- Fix or clean something for a family member.
- Volunteer at an animal or homeless shelter.
Change your perspective.
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” ~Winston Churchill
Negative things happen to everyone. Don’t blow things out of proportion though. If someone is rude to you, brush it off and move on. Who knows what drama they’re dealing with? Don’t react loudly, it only makes you look bad. Take a few deep breaths. Be the cool one. Don’t let petty things bother you, because you’re awesome and no one can change that.
Improve your self-talk.
Negative people have a constant stream of self-defeating thoughts. This affects their daily lives and destroys their relationships. They always expect the worst, and that’s what they get. They don’t focus on possibilities or improvement. A negative inner monologue will influence their behaviors, which ultimately ruins their lives.
Think positive things about yourself and be nice to yourself. Especially when painful events happen. If you get fired or go through a breakup, take it easy on yourself. You need your support the most during these times. Be there and be encouraging. Allow yourself to heal. Don’t dissect the situation to death, accept what happened, learn from it and move on. You can do this!
Don’t tolerate negative people
You know positivity is contagious, well negativity is also. Spending time with complainers and gossipers will leak negative vibes into your mindset. Don’t allow this to happen. When someone starts being negative tell them that you don’t engage in that nonsense anymore. If they don’t stop, leave.
Spend more time with positive people. This will help you think more like they do.
To wrap things up, choose to keep your thoughts and your words positive. Don’t explode when things don’t go your way or when someone criticizes you. Be nice to others. If you use these positivity-inducing suggestions, you’ll be certain to have a more enjoyable life. Your loved ones will have a better life as well! So, keep your head up and smile.
