7 ways to be more positive
The onset of winter is as good a time as any to adopt the principles of optimism
and positive thinking. The days may be dark and cold, but you don't have to
let this chill your attitude.
Some studies have even indicated that optimism may help us stay healthier physically.
A positive outlook also helps us manage stress, can be a good influence on those
around us and helps build self-confidence.
Here's what to do
If you find yourself slipping into pessimistic habits — such as blaming
yourself, anticipating the worst, filtering out the positive or seeing things
as either good or bad, with no middle ground — it may be time to reboot
your thought processes for a healthier approach to life. Here's how:
- Look for solutions. Instead of throwing blame when things
go wrong, try to find a way to solve the problem. Finding a constructive solution
helps you stay calm and focused, reassures those around you and almost always
brings about a better result. And that helps bring you out of the
vicious cycle.
- Rewrite your inner script. Instead of telling yourself
you can't or shouldn't, or predicting worst-case outcomes,
rewrite the dialogue for your inner critic. Turn negative statements like
"I can't do that" into "I'll give it a try," or “no
one calls me” into “I think I'll give so-and-so a call.”
In time you may find your attitude naturally shifts.
- Focus on what you can do. No one will deny that
struggling with challenge and adversity is a burden. Try to focus on your
abilities rather than disabilities and note the good instead of the bad. For
example, some people end each day by giving thanks for at least one blessing
or bright moment they experienced.
- Find inspiration. Maybe it's a courageous person you admire,
a spiritual or secular leader or a higher power. Look to the lessons you can
learn from others and adopt them into your everyday life.
- Visualize a successful outcome. Athletes say it helps their
performance, so why not give it a try? Formulate a picture that encapsulates
what success means to you. Call this image up every time you question your
abilities.
- Embrace the positive. Include something each day that makes
you feel good. Enjoy a good belly laugh at a funny story, get together with
a friend, volunteer your time, or care for a child, a pet or even a plant.
- Do your best. Ultimately, that's all any of us can do.
You can't realistically expect to succeed at everything or be perfect, but
you can make a conscientious effort to do the best you can in a given situation.