Disappointing events can make it seem impossible to have a positive attitude, but even people with a natural tendency towards pessimism can develop a positive, optimistic attitude if they are willing to change their ways. A positive attitude not only has many psychological benefits, but many physical benefits as well. The Mayo Clinic states that positive thinking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, give you greater resistance to the common cold and even increase your life span.
Negativity
Many people aren't aware of how often they complain or make negative comments, but things that aren't recognized can't be changed. A simple trick may help. Place a bracelet or rubber band around one wrist, and whenever you catch yourself being negative or complaining, switch it to the opposite wrist. Set a goal for yourself to keep the bracelet or rubber band on the initial wrist the entire day, and gradually increase this goal to be for the entire week or even the entire month.
Reframing
When you catch yourself complaining or having a negative thought, reframe the thought to be positive. For example, if your initial thought was "I must not have been smart enough to get that job," change it to something like "When I get a bit more experience or education, I'll have my choice of jobs like that" or to something else that will focus on the positive instead of the negative.
Be Grateful
There is always a reason to be grateful if you look hard enough. Each day, take some time out to think of all the good things in your life. Keeping thinking about these positive things until you feel that warm fuzzy feeling in your soul. By doing so, you'll be more balanced and less likely to become negative.
Seek Positive Environments
Make a conscious choice to only be surrounded by positivity. Listen to music that makes you happy, hang out with positive people and watch television shows that make you feel good instead of crummy. Avoiding negative situations, and people will help you avoid negativity in yourself.
Negative Events are Temporary
Psychologist Martin Seligman writes in his book "Authentic Happiness" that positive people do not become as bothered by negative events because they are able to recognize that a positive future is possible no matter how dire the current circumstances seem.
Practice
The Mayo Clinic reminds people that developing a positive attitude is a skill, and just like any skill, it may take practice before you find success. Don't beat yourself up if you don't change as quickly as you like, and more importantly, don't give up. You can learn to have a more positive attitude if you keep trying.
References
- "Authentic Happiness;" Martin Seligman; 2002
- Psych Central: Strategies to Reduce Anxiety and Stress
- Mayo Clinic: Positive Thinking
