It is a well-known fact backed by science that optimism can improve your life. Researchers have found that women who maintain a positive attitude during intense surgeries and after usually have a shorter recovery period. Women who work in high-stress environments find more inner peace and balance by focusing on the positives of their jobs and not constantly complaining about the negative aspects of their work environment. The act of meditation focuses on finding gratitude in your most complex struggles, even amid the paralyzing challenges. As you know, those of us who have discovered a practice of gratitude tend to lean towards optimism.
Out of the different scenarios, learning how to develop an optimistic attitude was the common factor. People who strive to look for the “silver lining” usually rise above their challenges with triumph and victory.
While it’s easy to say, “Focus on the positive, and you’ll be happier,” putting it into practice can be tricky. It may even seem impossible when you face particular challenges. However, finding the positive in whatever you’re going through will save you a lot of stress and anxiety. You may even find a valuable solution to your problem with a better attitude.
Since remaining optimistic during tough times is challenging, it’s essential to consider a few strategies to help you reshape your thinking. Let’s review five valuable tips to help you maintain a positive attitude and empower optimism to improve your life.
- Remove Yourself From Toxic People
If you’re trying to elevate your mentality and remain positive, you must remove yourself from negative people. It’s almost like trying to grow an orchid in a dry environment. It simply won’t flourish. When people drain you of your energy, constantly criticize or put you down, it’s time to let them go. Walking away from unhealthy relationships is the first step towards loving yourself and maintaining your optimistic outlook.
2. Practice Speaking Kind Words
It’s easy to get into the habit of negative communication. Whether it’s complaining about your morning commute or not getting enough praise on your job, you can find yourself complaining about everything. This negative attitude can transcend into every aspect of your life. Soon, you’ll find yourself having a negative disposition. Practice speaking kind words about yourself and what’s around you. The old saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it,” will come in handy.
3. Learn to Love Yourself
Having a negative outlook usually stems from not being fully confident in yourself. To find the positive in your life, start with what’s fantastic about yourself. What about you? Are you truly grateful? Do you have your five senses? Do you have a roof over your head? How about clean water, do you have that? What unique gifts or talents do you have? What are you naturally good at? Practice daily affirmations so you can remind yourself how awesome you are. Please get in the habit of regular self-care and stick to it. This will help you change your outlook towards whatever situation presents itself.
4. Make Progressive Changes (aka baby steps strategy)
If you’re finding it hard to stay positive in your current situation, perhaps make tiny, consistent changes to get out of it. If you dislike your job, try to find a new one. If you’re feeling unhealthy, make nutritious changes to live your best life. Sometimes, a little effort is all you need to change your current perspective.
5. Give to Others
You’ve probably heard this a million times: There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving. It’s hard to be a grumpy, hostile, self-centered person when you’re constantly focused on how you can be a blessing to others. When you give yourself to others, you no longer focus on your issues. You’re exposing yourself to less fortunate people and making their moment better. If you find yourself constantly in a negative headspace, volunteer somewhere that supports a cause you care about, help a family in need, or donate to your favorite charity. When executing this strategy, remember that you don’t have to search far and wide to find someone to help. You can provide dinner for a family who may have lost a job recently or bake a cake for your next-door neighbor who just broke her leg. The focus here is to think of someone else besides yourself. This will give you a broader perspective and help you develop a positive attitude.
As women, our outlook on life is so important. But because we spend so much time being distracted and interrupted, we’re rarely present enough to notice our perspective on life. Let alone make a conscious decision to improve it. Yet often, our outlook on life can open or close doors of opportunity for us to live a better, more fulfilling life.
Shifting your focus from negative to positive is not always an overnight fix. Seeing those changes manifest takes a lot of self-awareness, self-improvement, practice, and effort. Keep working towards changing your perspective; before you know it, you’ll live a more optimistic and happy life. You can do it. I’m rooting for you!
Be well + prosper,
Elaine xx