Most people don't realize how much of an effect our thoughts have on everything that we do in life. Emotions impact how we feel, the decisions we make, how we understand things, and so many other aspects of our lives. How we choose to think ultimately determines our outcome. Some people find it surprising that thinking more positively is a choice instead of solely influenced by circumstance. Throughout life, everyone experiences grueling situations from time to time, but the key is how we choose to react to situations. Having a negative attitude in the midst of a tough situation may appear to be the logical reaction, but that doesn't mean we have to adopt that type of attitude. Here are a few simple ways to embrace positivity:
1. Believe a positive attitude is a choice
As I mentioned earlier, simply altering the way we think about things makes a difference in our lives. Look for the good in difficult situations instead of giving up or becoming angry. We can't control everything that happens in life, but we can control how we react and the attitude we have.
2. Share positivity with the people around you
Choosing to be positive for yourself is great, but sharing that mindset with the people around you is even better. The best way to do this is to show kindness to everyone, no matter what. Give someone a random compliment or open the door for them because it's a nice gesture. Positivity influences others tremendously.
3. Remove negative influences
The saying, "You become what you choose to surround yourself with," holds true. If you are constantly around negative people, that negative influence will bring you down as well. This step isn't easy, because sometimes distancing yourself from certain people is hard. However, if you are suffering from toxic relationships, then they aren't worth your time in the first place. Your happiness matters and changing your lifestyle and the type of people you choose to befriend makes a difference.
4. Reinforce positivity in every area
Making any change requires practice. Doing something new just once won't make it stick and become natural. Once you start to adopt a positive outlook, you have to reinforce certain thoughts and behaviors. The best way to put this step into action is to embrace positivity within yourself. Be confident in your decisions and lift yourself up. Tell yourself you're good at your job or any skill you perform daily. Be honest with yourself and when negative situations arise, look for the good.
5. Smile
Another way to train your body to be more positive is to smile often. Smiling is so simple but effective. Even if you don't think you have anything necessarily to smile about, smiling will make you feel happy internally. Smiling as you walk down the street or as you greet someone you know could make a difference for you and them.
6. Be grateful
Taking a step back and looking at the many things that we have can shift a negative perspective. The best way to remove judgment, negativity, and disappointment from our mindset is to look at all the things that we have. Tell yourself you're thankful for a job, education, family, and friends that support you. Practicing gratefulness keeps the positive aspects at the forefront of your mind.
7. Be accountable
Keeping yourself in check is a great way to be consistent. Reinforcing positive thoughts and actions in every area is the best way to change your mindset. We all slip up now and then, and it's never a bad idea to have an accountability partner to lift you up when you need an extra boost. Someone who will support you and give you tough love when necessary will help you stay on the path to positive thinking.
