We all know the distinction between the positive and the negative. It’s like black and white, good and bad, etc. Therefore, wanting to live a life through positive psychology to achieve happiness and have a more positive attitude comes naturally to us.
A positive life is not the same as a specific goal, such as money or a person, that is something that cannot always be controlled and that will not make you happy.
A positive life is something you can control and change from within no matter where you are in the world, your situation, who you are, or what you do. Everything is in your head, your thinking makes the only difference and it is the small details that will bring you closer to the best results.
It is enough to realize how to achieve a simpler and more positive life to notice a change. In this article, we show you what can help you let go of negativity and start living a positive life.
What is positive living?
Positivity can mean many things to many different people. However, in general, it is to think optimistically, look for solutions, hope for good results and success, make life happier for one and one’s surroundings.
It is a happy, carefree state of mind, looking on the bright side of life. While Collins English dictionary defines it as “The state or quality of being positive”, for the American psychologist, Martin Seligman, who developed the concept of “positive psychology”, it is a better way to approach psychology.
Keys to a positive life
To have a more positive life it is important to put into practice positive thinking or optimism, it is a concept in which we think effectively and with the intention of being more positive.
To begin illuminating our worldview and infusing more positivity into our thought patterns, we’ll consider 12 crucial points that can have a profound impact on your approach to life.
1. Get rid of negative thoughts and attitudes
Anything you can think of that hurts you, throw it away: situations, people, songs, places, photos, etc. Experience humor even in the most difficult situations. Remember that everything happens, so let it go and learn from it.
For example, let’s say you were fired from a job you hate, now think about everything you’ve learned at your job, and make sure you learn a lesson that you can apply for the rest of your life.
On the other hand, think about how bad you’ve had there, and you’ll understand that everything happens for a reason. Surely, your next job will be one that you do enjoy.
2. Learn from your failures without victimizing yourself
Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. Instead of concentrating on failure, instead focus on what you can do right next time.
Learn to turn failures into lessons. Don’t see yourself as a victim anymore, but as a student.
3. Avoid surrounding yourself with toxic and negative people
When you surround yourself with positive people, their words will affect your own train of thought. Hanging out with positive people will improve your life and the lives of others significantly.
In the same way, this happens in reverse. If you hang out with negative and toxic people, they will plunge you into a cycle of negativity and mediocre thinking.
According to the famous American self-help book writer, Tony Robbins , we are a reflection of the people around us. Some of these people come with life, our parents, our siblings, family.
However, the rest are people we choose, from friends to partners. Choose wisely and surround yourself with positive and joyful people.
4. Give thanks every day
Practicing gratitude reduces stress, improves self-esteem, and fosters resilience. Studies have found that writing down on paper everything we’re grateful for each day, as small and silly as it sounds like the aroma of your morning coffee, can improve our optimism and sense of well-being.
You can start a gratitude journal every day or jot down a short list of three or five things you are grateful for that day, even if you are having a hard time.
5. Focus on what you have
One of the best ways to feel good is by focusing on what you already have. Instead of thinking about everything you want or need, better think about everything you have already achieved and everything you already have, showing gratitude towards it. You will soon notice a difference in the way you see the world.
6. Enjoy the simple
Enjoy the small moments of the day. Realistically, the big moments in life (such as getting married, being promoted at a job, the birth of a child, or traveling the world) happen infrequently.
Life is as much about those big moments as it is about small victories and simple everyday pleasures that remind us that we are alive.
With the right mindset, watching the sunset, hugging a loved one, or walking around your neighborhood in the morning is all you need to enjoy these little moments.
7. Focus on the present moment
Being present in the here and now is a good way to avoid negative thoughts, either from sad memories from the past, or from thinking about problems that haven’t even come into your life yet.
Practice meditation and breathing exercises to position your mind in the here and now.
According to studies , the practice of mindfulness meditation, which focuses on this perspective of being present, helps to significantly lower cortisol levels, the hormone that produces stress.
8. Avoid criticizing and judging others
At first, it can be difficult to stop the negative flow of thoughts. This change takes time.
Be patient with yourself and first try to observe your thought patterns. When these thoughts pop into your head, take a moment to counter each negative thought with two positive observations.
9. Try not to compare yourself to others
Comparing yourself to others on a bad day is like listening to love songs at the end of a relationship. It will never make you feel better.
Spend that energy on something positive. Someone wise once said that if you’re going to compare yourself to something, compare where you are today to where you were yesterday.
10. Set goals and work for them
Positive goals make you more accountable. It makes us talk less and work more, and forces us to act.
Also, by setting a specific goal, we can easily see if we are on the right path and it helps us to see our mistakes.
11. Avoid complaints
Complaining about anything does not lead to a positive attitude. When you complain about a person, place or event, without offering a solution to fix the situation, it leads to nothing.
Instead of complaining, walk away from the situation or change your perspective and offer a solution.
12. Smile whenever you can
Smiling releases endorphins and serotonin, known as feel-good hormones. It is easier to adopt a positive attitude that favors well-being.
Studies show that people who smile more often experience less pain than those who don’t.
Benefits of leading a positive life
A positive attitude makes you happier and improves your relationships and even increases your chances of success. Although, sometimes it’s hard to remember to stay positive about life. It is undeniable that more positivity equals more happiness.
From developing self love to improving mental and physical health. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why being more positive may be necessary. Here you will see some of the main reasons to be positive.
Strengthens physical health
Good healthis something to watch out for, especially for college kids. Thinking positive helps improve health.
With so many stressors in life, it’s easy to see why negative and unhealthy thoughts can arise, but the best way to improve any situation is to find the silver lining.
Reduces stress and anxiety
If you are more positive, there will be more happiness and less worry in your life. In this way it is easier to minimize stress.
Why worry about things that won’t matter in the long run? Maintain a mentality that causes less stress, for example, every time something worries you, ask yourself the following: Will this affect my life 10 years from now? If the answer is no, then don’t worry.
Increases energy and motivation
Positive thinking increases energy and motivation. This is because in the presence of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which are secreted when we think positively, these chemicals stimulate motivation .
Contributes to the achievement of objectives
Success can depend on many factors, but the most important aspect of success is perspective.
A positive outlook will lead to more potential opportunities, more motivation and ambition, and as a result more success overall and throughout your life.
Increases perseverance
Positive thinking and optimism require courage, decisiveness, and persistence. Thinking positive will always make you expect something better, something more.
You won’t give up at the first sign. This translates to unwavering determination or perseverance.
Keep you focused on solutions
Positivity helps improve creativity. As we become more positive, our creativity also increases almost automatically.
The more positivity and happier you are, thanks to the neurotransmitters we talked about previously, such as dopamine, you will see that your productivity and the generation of new ideas accelerate.
The possibilities are endless as you become more and more positive.
Contributes to tranquility, peace and happiness
This is often one of the biggest goals of those looking to live a more positive life. Happiness and peace are of great importance in our lives. The key to living a happy and fulfilling life is also that it be peaceful and meaningful.
That is, happiness is one of the most important things that all human beings need to survive.
However, you must understand that buying a car or winning the lottery is not synonymous with happiness. Happiness can also be having a solid family, a good group of friends, working on what you are passionate about, and especially, living a life in accordance with your values.
For example, if your main value is freedom, perhaps your pursuit of happiness is to be your own boss. If your main value is family, perhaps your happiness is to form a healthy and happy family.
In short, happiness looks different for everyone, you just have to undertake a journey of self-knowledge to find out what yours is.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.