How to Develop a Positive Attitude Toward Life

Smile!

Negativity can be like a drug. As much as you know it's unhealthy and something to be avoided, it's addictive and consuming. However, for those wanting to develop a positive attitude toward life, there are some simple steps that can be taken that may help. Although these steps are simple, they may not be easy. However, with a bit of determination and focus, developing a positive attitude toward life can be done.

Instructions

1. Stop complaining. This is easier said than done, but a simple trick may help. Wear a bracelet or rubber band around one wrist. Whenever you find yourself complaining, switch the bracelet to the other wrist. Your goal should be to have the bracelet stay on the original wrist as long as possible.

2. Turn negative thoughts into positive ones. We all have negative thoughts from time to time, either about ourselves or our situation. While it may be impossible to stop negative thoughts from forming, it is possible to change the thought to something positive when you notice the negativity.

3. Be grateful. No matter how difficult your life seems, there is always some reason to be grateful. Even if it is just gratitude for being alive, for breathing, for the beautiful weather--there truly is something positive occurring even when things seem the most dire. Make a conscious effort to recognize all that is right in your life instead of always focusing on what is wrong.

4. Decide to love yourself. Contrary to what many people think, loving yourself really is a conscious decision. Too many of us focus on our faults or mistakes instead of recognizing how truly special we are. If you have difficulty with this, positive affirmations and self-esteem-building exercises may help.

5. Decide to love others, no matter what. This doesn't mean you should accept bad behavior or allow others to treat you poorly, but realizing that acting lovingly toward others will go much further than acting maliciously or selfishly. Not only that, but doing nice things for others can help give you those warm, fuzzy feelings that will help you feel good as well.

6. Let go of the past. It's hard for many of us to forgive the transgressions of our past, but it is only through forgiveness and acceptance that you will able to be free. Forgiving doesn't mean that you condone what happened, but rather that you refuse to allow yourself to be held captive by that negativity any longer.

7. Adopt the motto "Everything happens for a reason." By convincing yourself that this statement is true, you'll start to see a bright side to almost every situation. People often fail to realize that we grow the most during periods of pain and struggle. By always asking yourself what an experience is trying to teach you, you will start to see struggles and challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles toward happiness.

8. Surround yourself with positivity. Choose to hang around with positive people, watch positive shows, listen to positive music, and read positive books. Like begets like and surrounding yourself with positivity really will help you be positive yourself.

9. Seek the help of a life coach or counselor who can help with the process. Some people have a hard time developing a positive attitude toward life and struggle to follow these steps. In that situation, a life coach or counselor may help.

References

• Authentic Happiness -- Positive Psychology
• Purica.com
• DumbLittleMan.com

Resources

• The Happiness Project
• Positive Psychology Center