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There comes a moment for all of us when we realize our problems might be helped by having a more positive attitude.
After all, having a negative attitude is easy, but a positive attitude that changes your perspective takes practice.
A positive attitude is necessary to change your thoughts, your perception, your reality, and ultimately, your life.
It was 4 years ago that I came to this conclusion.
I was angry, unhappy, and sick, and I knew I needed to change.
I needed to develop a positive attitude.
Immediately!
Keep reading to discover the five ways I cultivated a positive attitude, that you can use too!
1. Express Gratitude
What are you grateful
It can be anything at all and you can start out small if you need to!
I used to wake up 5 minutes early to write it down in a notebook.
If you don’t think you have anything to be grateful for, choose something small and it will grow from there!
Having gratitude changes your energy and helps put things in perspective!
As I listed out my things, slowly but surely, it became easier to see and acknowledge everything that I had!
I now express gratitude every single day!
My list starting out could be something like these simple things:
- I was grateful for my job
- I was grateful for my family
- I was grateful for my home
- I was grateful for the food on the table
Gratitude is the number one tip for a reason, it’s hugely important to maintaining a positive attitude, so don’t leave it out!
2. Recite Positive Affirmations for a Positive Attitude
How many thoughts do we have running around our minds on any given day?
But did you ever wonder, how many of those thoughts are actually true?
This takes conscious effort, but I have a rule that I follow.
If I wouldn’t say it to my best friend, I shouldn’t be saying it to myself.
To help me change my thoughts towards myself, I started writing and listening to positive affirmations in the morning, or before I had to do anything that would challenge me.
If you look up “positive affirmations” on YouTube, there are tons!
When I was writing my affirmations down my list would look something like this:
- I have all the answers to my own questions
- I offer my gifts into the world every day
- I forgive myself and others every day
- I have great energy
- I am courageous
- My dreams are achievable
- My imperfections allow me to grow in this world
- I live the life of my dreams
3. Meditate
I know, I know!
This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea… If you would have told me to do this 5 years ago, I would have laughed in your face!
I get it.
Many people don’t realize just how much this can contribute to maintaining a positive attitude.
As someone who has experienced the benefits of it, I recommend it to everyone!
It has helped me to change my attitude so much that I can’t leave it out!
My tips to start meditating are as follows:
- Start small. 5 minutes at most
- If it helps, start with a guided meditation on YouTube
- As you progress, then focus only on your breath. Count your inhales and exhales if you need to, and keep your mind present
- Acknowledge the thoughts as they pass through your mind, then let them go
- Get a free “meditation timer” on your phone to set and track your times, to ensure you keep up with it
- Don’t give up
4. Surround Yourself with Uplifting Friends & Family
We all have these people in our lives, the ones that are endlessly stuck, who are always miserable, and very unhappy.
The ones that want to bond over another horrible day or another unhappy event.
Be mindful of this.
I can now distinguish that and I pay very close attention to how I feel once I walk away from a conversation with any one of my friends or family members.
I’m not saying get rid of your friends who are always miserable, I’m just saying spend more time with the ones that lift you up!
Share your happiness with those that are your cheerleaders, the ones that make you laugh, smile, and help you be the best version of yourself!
Happiness changes our attitude and our energy!
I also encourage you to be that friend to others and see how it impacts you from both sides of the fence!
5. Laugh!
What makes you laugh and brings you joy? Make this a part of your day.
Humor and laughter strengthen your ability to stay optimistic and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Watch a funny movie or television show.
Listen to a comedian you enjoy.
Think back to a time that makes you laugh.
Play some loud music and dance until you giggle!
Make it a habit to do something every day that makes you smile and laugh!
How do you maintain a positive attitude?
Like I said before, having a positive attitude takes work.
How have you worked to change your attitude and perspective?
Do you practice any of the things from this list?
Do you have any tips for a positive attitude to add?
Let us know in the comment section!