Have you ever walked into a room and immediately noticed someone who was smiling and had a genuinely positive air about them? It’s an attractive quality that we cannot help but notice. These positive people encourage us to not sweat the little things by simply being who they are. They never even have to speak to us to remind us that being happy and optimistic is a goal we should all strive for. A positive attitude is a powerful tool we should all be so fortunate to possess. Guess what? We can! And it’s free!
Well, realistically, we cannot shelter ourselves from negative feelings all of the time. We are human after all. However, the happiest and healthiest people somehow know how to buffer their worlds so that all of the negativity life sometimes brings does not spoil their happiness. There is a body of medical evidence that shows positive people are the ones who defy the odds and survive the most dismal of circumstances. Positivity somehow strengthens our immune system.
Positivity also affects our social relationships. Who wants to be around a pessimist with a bad attitude? Not me! People intentionally distance themselves from drama and negativity. There’s an old quote that says people always remember how you make them feel. If someone makes us feel bad, we avoid them. If someone makes us feel good, we seek them. People notice the optimist in every situation—work, school, play, you name it. I once had an agent from William Morris Endeavor tell me that she only worked with people who had a genuine sense of calm and inward happiness. It’s not an easy trait to possess, but it is a worthwhile one that will gain us many benefits in life, including being surrounded by a solid support system.
How can we become more positive? We can use our pain and tragedies to help us grow instead of weigh us down. If we try to see the bigger picture, we may realize that the suffering we are experiencing is only temporary instead of all consuming. It may be a way to help us remember what is really important in life and set our priorities in order. Always try to keep a positive perspective. Keep in mind that you may not be able to change the circumstances of your life, but you can always change your attitude. You are in control! Do you choose for your glass to be half empty or half full?
Positive thinking starts with self-talk. We all talk to ourselves, right? Keep reminding yourself to expect the best outcome, not the worse. Remind yourself to be productive and positive and good things will inevitably follow suit. Your positive thoughts will lead to more positive behaviors such as living a healthier lifestyle and nurturing your relationships. It becomes a way of life if you practice it regularly. It’s also a very attractive quality and it can be contagious. Watch the people around you start being more positive. Being surrounded by positive people, in turn, reinforces our own goal to be more positive.
In addition to practicing positive self-talk, try to approach new challenges as opportunities to learn something new. Look at complicated situations from a different angle. Find the resources you need to accomplish what you want. Be proactive. Every day that you do something worthwhile and good, give yourself a pat on the back, no matter how small the endeavor. Reinforce your own good deeds. Learn to feel good from the inside. Be proud of yourself for the everyday little things. With practice, you will become less critical and more self-accepting. This self-acceptance leads to confidence which ultimately reinforces positivity. The more positive your attitude, the more constructive your days and your life will become. Carry on!