As people, we tend to see life linearly. So, we may interpret our experience as a long period of constant dilemmas, struggles, or plights. That is if we choose to look at things in a less optimistic perspective. Due to programming and also our immediate surroundings, it may seem very difficult to stay in high spirits. It is as if you try to think positively but you don’t believe due to the reality you find yourself in. It goes without saying that life is comprised of memorable experiences. Some of these experiences leave a good impression on us while others leave us with scars, trauma, and so on. However, each second is new, bringing with it the opportunity to view life’s scenarios in a positive light.
It isn’t about lying to yourself. It is about purposefully using your energy and being resilient. Thus, you make a conscious decision how you want to see life. You can choose to see life through the eyes of incomplete or you can choose to see through eyes of contentment. When we aren’t positive, we tend to be hard on ourselves, feel discouraged, or even experience deep spouts of despair. However, when we think positively, we are able to achieve more, endure longer, and feel a sense of peace. Below are a few tips you can use to achieve maximum optimism and positivity in your life:
“An optimist understands that life can be a bumpy road, but at least it is leading somewhere. They learn from mistakes and failures, and are not afraid to fail again.” – Harvey Mackay
TIP #1: Failure is a state of mind
A part of staying positive is to not view a failure as a failure. Simply, take your less favorable experiences as lessons to learn from. A lot of the time, we are our worst critic and continuously speak negatively about ourselves. Self deprecating dialogue, even if intended to be humorous, should be limited if not avoided. We still internalize and register those negative words subconsciously. So, it is best to speak positive affirmations to yourself and claim success.
TIP #2: Write a gratitude diary
Have appreciation for what you do have instead of seeing the glass as half empty. Some people believe they must drive a certain kind of car, live in a big house, or have the most friends to be able to enjoy their life. These expectations can lead to discouragement if your happiness is solely dependent on it. Write down all the things you currently have that you are grateful for. By doing this, you take the focus away from what you don’t have. Feelings of longing or lack can lead to a pessimistic outlook on life.
TIP #3: Surround yourself with positive people
As stated, one’s immediate environment can influence their perspective on life. If you are around people who usually complain about how poor they are or throw constant pity parties, then you may find yourself carry on about these same issues as well. Surround yourself with people who are actively working to better their lives and speaking words of hope.