To maintain a positive attitude when facing setbacks and challenges is much easier said than done. Our brain is genetically programmed to spot and focus on threats in order to survive. This mechanism proved useful thousands of years ago when basically everything around you was trying to eat you alive. However, today it only raises negativity and pessimism, the true enemies of positive thinking. So how to become and stay positive?
1. Focus on the good.
Try to write down what makes you happy and what you are grateful for. Small things are perfectly fine — someone who made you laugh, an especially good lunch you had today — everything that makes you realise that something worth smiling about. It might be difficult spotting these at first but remember, in every negative situation there is a positive aspect to it: lesson, opportunity or challenge.
2. Be kind to yourself.
Yes, identifying what went wrong and where you slipped is important, but believing in yourself enough to think you are capable of dealing with the situation is even more. Focus on what you can do, rather than on mistakes you have made or could make.
“Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can’t be done.”
— Bo Bennett
3. Tie negativity on a leash.
It is impossible (and unhealthy) to avoid negative thoughts altogether, but learn not to exaggerate the bad that is happening to you. There is of course room for worrying, sadness, anger or regret, but then — move on by trying to find something else to get your mind into. Distract yourself by an activity that feels great to do (with regard to point 5).
4. Be open and kind to people.
Be friendly to people you meet throughout the day. Be helpful and warm hearted. It will come back to you surprisingly quickly as the feeling of usefulness will boost your happiness. You might even realise that your situation is not that bad. By doing so you are helping to create and cultivate positive environment for your and other people´s life.
5. Take care of your body as well as your soul.
Keep fit with some physical activity. We’ve all heard about those endorphins — woohoo, good news is that they really exist, are you ready to meet them? Also try to eat well and avoid poisons like alcohol, cigarettes and junk food. While they might provide a short term relief, in a long term they are just contaminating your body.
