“Having a positive mental attitude is asking how something can be done rather than saying it can’t be done.”
Bo Bennett
“To avoid situations in which you might make mistakes may be the biggest mistake of all.”
Peter McWilliams
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.”
Anais Nin
When I began my personal development journey over 15 years ago, one of the first things I focused on was improving my outlook on life. It was a gradual process, but I worked on building a more optimistic attitude that would remain stable even during tough times.
In this article, I want to share 19 effective habits that have helped me stay positive over the years. I hope you find them helpful too.
Bonus: Download a free step-by-step checklist to help you stay positive in your daily life.
1. Find the optimistic viewpoint in a negative situation.
One of the most effective ways to cultivate a positive outlook is by asking helpful questions in negative situations. Instead of dwelling on the negative, focus on the positive aspects and opportunities within the situation.
2. Cultivate and live in a positive environment.
Surround yourself with positive influences that uplift and support you. Spend less time with negative people and sources of information, and more time with positive individuals and resources.
3. Go slowly.
Take your time and avoid rushing through life. Slowing down can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and allow you to think more clearly and optimistically.
4. Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.
When faced with challenges, stop negative thoughts in their tracks, take a moment to breathe, and refocus on finding a solution rather than amplifying the problem.
5. Don’t let vague fears hold you back.
Avoid getting lost in vague fears and hypothetical scenarios. Instead, focus on the realistic outcomes and solutions to overcome your fears and take action.
6. Add value and positivity to someone else’s life.
Spread positivity by helping others, listening attentively, and boosting the mood of those around you. What you give out to the world often comes back to you.
7. Exercise regularly and prioritize self-care.
Take care of your physical health by exercising, eating well, and getting enough rest. Your physical well-being can significantly impact your mental outlook.
8. Learn to take criticism constructively.
Handle criticism in a healthy way by pausing before responding, listening to the feedback, and considering its value. Respond with kindness and understanding, and let go of overly negative criticism.
9. If something bothers you, know how to address it.
When something continues to bother you, talk it over with someone you trust and work on improving your self-esteem. Letting go of negativity can lighten your emotional load.
10. Start your day positively.
Set a positive tone for your day by beginning with uplifting activities, conversations, or reading material. How you start your day can influence the rest of it.
11. Mindfully move through your day.
Stay present in the moment to access positive emotions and stay grounded. Mindful awareness can help you navigate challenges and maintain a positive mindset.
12. Create reminders for positivity.
Use reminders to stay focused on positive habits and attitudes. Keep a list of the tips that resonate with you to refer back to when needed.
13. Say stop to negative thoughts.
When negative thoughts arise, interrupt them and redirect your focus. Avoid dwelling on negativity and give yourself time to process before responding.
14. Be grateful for what you have.
Practice gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the things you often take for granted. Shift your focus from negativity to thankfulness to start your day on a positive note.
15. Use a gratitude journal.
Take a few minutes each day to write down things you're grateful for. Reflecting on the positives in your life can boost your mood and mindset.
16. Practice positive self-talk.
Be mindful of how you talk to yourself and replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Encourage yourself and be kind in your internal dialogue.
17. Focus on solutions, not problems.
Spend the majority of your time brainstorming solutions and taking action rather than dwelling on the issues at hand. Shift your focus to proactive problem-solving.
18. Accept that bad days are normal.
Understand that not every day will be perfect, and that's okay. Embrace the natural ups and downs of life without expecting constant positivity.
19. Celebrate small victories.
Acknowledge and celebrate both small and big successes to boost your motivation and positive mindset. Reward yourself for progress, no matter how small.
Take the next step...
For a practical way to implement these habits and stay positive, download the free checklist that includes the top tips from this article. Use it as a daily guide to maintain a positive mindset even during challenging times.
