A positive outlook on life can lead to greater happiness and overall satisfaction with life. However, it can be challenging to stay positive in the face of negative circumstances. By developing habits that help encourage a positive outlook, we can improve our overall happiness and wellbeing. Use our 5 tips to cultivate a habit of positivity in your life.
1. Choose Optimism
One of the most obvious ways to stay positive is to simply choose to reframe your circumstances to find the silver lining. While it may sound simple, if you are in the habit of framing things in a negative light, it can actually take a concerted effort to be optimistic. Try to be conscious of how you are framing your thoughts. When you catch yourself looking at things in a negative light, think instead of what good can possibly come from the situation. Can you use it as a learning experience? If an event you were looking forward to got cancelled, could you use the time freed up to engage in another activity you enjoy? It takes time to retrain your thought process to make optimism a habit, but small steps can get you just a little bit closer.
2. Surround Yourself with Positive People
Jim Rohn has a famous quote that says, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” The people that we surround ourselves with have the power to either challenge us to be better versions of ourselves, or simply settle for mediocrity. Take a look at the people closest to you. Your inner circle of friends and family should be made up of individuals with a positive outlook on life, who challenge and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. If there are toxic people in your inner circle who constantly bring out the negative in every situation, consider limiting your time around them so they have less of an impact on your own outlook on life.
3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Sometimes the things that frustrate or upset us are really inconsequential in the big scheme of things. Sure, it can be frustrating to be stuck in traffic or have to wait longer than expected at the doctor’s office, but these inconveniences don’t really impact the overall course of our lives. When you feel yourself starting to get frustrated or upset, ask yourself if the current situation is actually a small inconvenience, rather than a large problem. If it is a small inconvenience, acknowledge it and then let it go.
4. Encourage Others
When we encourage others, it can also have a positive impact on our lives. It helps to take the focus off of ourselves, and realize that no matter how bad we feel our situation may be, there are other people struggling as well. When we serve and encourage others we build a sense of community that creates a positive environment for everyone involved.
5. Exercise Regularly
Exercise boosts endorphins and dopamine levels in your body, which helps us to feel happier and more energized. It can act as a positive outlet to relieve daily stresses while also supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Choosing to have an optimistic outlook can help you feel happier and more fulfilled. Try a few of our tips to cultivate a habit of positivity in your life. Staying positive in the face of negative circumstances can benefit not only you, but also everyone around you.
