5 Ways to Practice Positivity and Optimism Every Day
Have you ever wondered why some people are always so positive and happy and others are angry, negative people? It’s all about your mindset.
Benefits of Positive Thinking
The Mayo Clinic has identified many health benefits of positive thinking which include:
- Increased life span
- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of distress
- Greater resistance to the common cold
- Better psychological and physical well-being
- Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
- Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
To find out more information on negative and positive thinking, visit
Here are 5 ways to practice positivity and optimism every day.
- Think positive thoughts.
If we go into a situation with a negative thought process, then we are almost destined to have a negative outcome. A positive person chooses to think in terms of “I can”, “It is possible”, and “I will get this done”. Other examples are “Today is going to be a great day” and “I’m going to kickass at work this week”.
- Surround yourself with positive people.
Positive and optimistic people surround themselves with other positive people. Positivity and happiness are contagious. Negative people create negative energy. People’s emotions tend to impact the way you feel so choose to hang out with people that are happy, healthy, and successful. They will inspire and motivate you to create a positive lifestyle as well.
- Focus on the positive aspects of a situation.
When a situation doesn’t turn out the way you want, many people tend to focus on the negative aspects of the situation. Instead, start noticing the positive aspects of the situation. Did the presentation you gave not turn out like you had envisioned such as the audio equipment failed, people gave you a negative evaluation of your class, or you noticed people were falling asleep? Turn those negative situations into positive teaching moments. From that experience, you have now learned that you need to test your audio equipment before the presentation, an evaluation comment stated you need to talk slower and louder, or noticed that scheduling a presentation right after lunch might not be a good idea. What if what went right is that people commented that your presentation material was excellent, you gave them amazing resources they can take with them to implement at their jobs, and you made some very good connections with several people. Focus on these positive moments instead of the negative ones.
- Use self-compassion and self-kindness to make a positive impact on your life.
You have a big meeting coming up in front of the executives of your company where you are presenting a strategic plan you developed. What thoughts are you thinking going into the meeting? Here are some examples of negative thoughts – “They are going to hate my idea” or “I’m going to forget what to say and screw it up”. Instead, change your negative thoughts into positive ones such as “They are going to love my presentation because I have researched it and I believe in my plan” or “I am going to smash this presentation because I have practiced it and know I can do this!”
- Read and practice more positivity.
There are many books and podcasts out there to help guide you though transforming your mindset. Here are some positivity books you might want to check out.
- A year of Positive Thinking by Cyndie Spiegel
- Positivity by Barbara Fredrickson
- Positive Thinking by Dorina Sasson & Remez Sasson
Here is what their book says about positive thinking:
- People with a positive attitude expect success.
- Positive thinkers DO NOT GIVE UP on their dreams, and DO NOT GIVE IN to obstacles. They continue with their efforts until they get the results they want.
- Positive people look at failure as a lesson to learn from and strive to do better the next time.
- Positive people are more relaxed, more confident, and better decision-makers.
- People with a positive mindset do not accept “impossible” for an answer. Instead, they look for ways to overcome difficulties, and make it possible.
- Positive thinking makes you resourceful.
- It motivates you to look for solutions and new ideas and proceed with your actions until getting positive results.
- This is why positive thinking paves the way to success!
I want to give a big call out to the Power of Positivity Facebook page. I love their posts! Their mission is to provide daily inspiration, motivation, and tools to live a happier life.
Here are two examples of posts on their website.
I challenge you to create a positive mindset daily.