Positive anything is better than negative nothing.
No one wants to be negative, especially if that negativity manifests itself in how you see the world and how you feel about yourself. Negativity leads to low moods, and low moods can lead to poor decision making, which ultimately can lead to unhappiness and failure. Instead of letting negativity become your default, you should think more positively by incorporating these six strategies into your life today. You’ll notice a difference almost immediately, and it will make all the difference in the long run.
1) Recognize Automatic Negative Thoughts
The first step in thinking more positively is recognizing that you have Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the thoughts that run through your mind almost constantly, without you having any control over them. This can be anything from a fear of being judged or criticized by others, to a fear of rejection when meeting someone new. You can find out what these thoughts are by noticing what they make you feel like inside. A sense of dread, anxiety, or panic are good clues that your Automatic Negative Thoughts are negative ones. Once you know what your Automatic Negative Thoughts are, it’s time to start replacing them with more positive ones.
2) Dispute Your Negative Thoughts
No matter how positive you are, there are moments when you’ll have negative thoughts. Sometimes those thoughts will be about yourself, other times they’ll be about the world around you. The first step in thinking more positively is recognizing that those thoughts exist – which is often the hardest part. Once you recognize them for what they are (negativity), it’s easier to dispute them.
3) Practice Gratitude
- Every day, take a few minutes at the end of your day to think about three things you’re grateful for. Write them down in a journal or in a note on your phone. 2. Practice counting your blessings instead of focusing on what’s bothering you. It will help remind you that life is not as bad as it seems when you start feeling overwhelmed by negativity. 3. Change your mindset from negative to positive thoughts by thinking of something good that just happened to you or someone else, rather than dwelling on the bad things that are happening around the world. 4. If you’re struggling with anxiety, try practicing breathing exercises: Breathe in for five seconds and out for five seconds. Count how many breaths you take and focus on what your body feels like while breathing: heavy, light? 5. Try talking to yourself with encouraging words: I am strong, I can do this, I am resilient. 6. Watch videos or read posts that uplift you emotionally! They’ll put a smile back on your face!
4) Visualize What You Want
It’s important to visualize what you want, not what you don’t want. In order to achieve a goal, it is necessary for you to have a clear idea of what that goal is. This can be achieved by imagining your desired outcome vividly – whether it be in the form of pictures, thoughts or words. The more detailed you are when visualizing what you want, the greater the chance that it will come true.
5) Be Kind to Yourself
One of the easiest ways to think more positively is by surrounding yourself with positive people. Choose friends who are uplifting, supportive, and optimistic. Avoid those who always have negative things to say or talk about. You’ll see a difference in your mood after hanging out with these type of people for just a few days.
6) Surround Yourself With Positive People
People who know you best can also be the most honest with you, says Dr. Danielle Buxbaum, a licensed clinical psychologist in New York City. If they have a more negative opinion of you than their friends, it’s likely because their friends actually like you. Surround yourself with people who are on your team, says Buxbaum. It’ll help keep your mood in check and make it easier to see the positive side of things.
