Want more positivity in your life? It’s up to you!
I really do believe in the power of positive thinking, and the impact each small positive action or thought can have, not only on ourselves but on those around us.
Sometimes it feels like everything is going wrong, and the saying ‘it never rains it pours’ seems particularly apt. But even at these times we can all choose to see the positive side of things if we want to. It’s almost as if this is a muscle that we need to build, and a skill we need to practice, so it becomes a habit that will automatically kick in.
How can we build a habit of positivity? How can we create more happiness within our lives? Why is it that some people seem to roll with the ups and the downs of life, whereas others seem to focus on the negative and take a pessimistic view? Who determines whether something is good or bad? Positive or negative? Is it really up to us?
The answer to many of these questions comes back to our ability to choose the meaning we attach to each of our life experiences. You choose that meaning, no one else does it for you. The key is to practice choosing a positive meaning. With this idea you can consciously create the energy you hold, and the energy you give out.
So if you want to create more positivity around you, then you need to begin with creating positivity within yourself.
Here are a few simple ideas to try…
Find the silver lining in every situation
When something doesn’t go to plan ask yourself these questions ‘What can I learn from this? What would I do differently next time? How is this an opportunity for my growth?’ By asking these questions you begin to choose the meaning instead of just reacting to each experience.
Show appreciation and gratitude to others whenever you can
Take every opportunity to say thank you or recognise a job well done. Did you know that appreciation breeds appreciation? What this means is that if someone appreciates what you have done, then you are more likely to appreciate others. There is some science behind this, the hypothalamus which controls dopamine, the ‘reward neurotransmitter’ are affected by feelings of gratitude, the more gratitude the more dopamine and so on. So start the ball rolling – be the first to show appreciation to others.
Spend time doing what you love
It is so easy to get caught up being busy. Remember to take time out and do the things you love – it doesn’t matter how big or small they are, take the time. This time is important, it allows you to re-energise and connect with your passion and purpose.
Be present, focus on the now
Rather than focus on what might happen, or should have happened, focus on the now. Allow yourself to to enjoy and be grateful for what you have right now. When you are present you can tap into your intuition, make clearer decisions, and create a more balanced perspective.
Ask yourself – what can I do? How can I make a difference?
Sometimes, it can feel as if everyone (including yourself) is complaining? Rather than focussing on what can be done, everyone is stuck focusing on what can’t be done. You don’t have to join in the complaining game. When you find yourself looking for excuses or complaining – pause – and ask yourself – What can I do? How can I make a difference? And then DO IT.
Happiness is a choice
Whether you are happy or not, is up to YOU. It doesn’t matter what you have or don’t have, it is all about what you choose to think and feel. Make a conscious choice each day to choose happiness. Have you heard of the happiness formula? Happiness = S (50%) + C (10%) + V (40%) Where S is your biological set point, C are your living conditions, and V are your voluntary actions or choices you make daily (developed by Dr M Seligman and Dr S Lyubomirsky). So 40% of your happiness is linked to the actions and choices you make each day.