I’m not going to lie to you (because you already know the truth), staying positive in today’s society is not always an easy thing to do. No matter how hard you try, there’s always going to be negativity. Why? Because for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
So, what can you do to offset this law? Plenty. There has to be a realistic way to unlock the power of positivity, right? Of course there is! It’s a little deeper than just looking for the silver lining, but that’s nice to do too. It’s about creating a positive mindset. You can see and acknowledge the negative without being consumed by it. Kind of like meditation. You passively watch the thought come and go instead of traveling down the rabbit hole, jumping one the thought train, etc.
They say (don’t ask me who ‘they’ is) that thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, and character becomes destiny. It makes sense that we can inject positivity into each of these steps of the process to improve the way we look at and feel about ourselves, our families, our jobs, our world and everything else. Here are some ways to unlock your positivity.
1. Cultivate a Positive Environment
Always remember that you have the ability to choose who and what you allow into your space. You also have the ability to choose your energy. If you want to develop a more positive outlook and lifestyle, you may need to make a few adjustments. Surrounding yourself with positive people or keeping positive reminders around you can make a big difference.
Choose wisely who you spend your time with, the music you listen to, the words that come out of your mouth, the things you watch on TV, the posts you respond to on social media, etc. There are so many opportunities for you to cultivate positivity. You can ask yourself if what you’re doing or saying is bringing positive energy into your life, and if the answer is no, replace it with something that does.
2. Keep Perspective
Here is one way to utilize that silver lining. Look for ways the situation can benefit you or become a positive experience for you. Don’t be the one to always make a mountain out of a mole hill. Put things in their proper perspective instead of spiraling out of control. Oftentimes, worry is the result of not putting a thing in proper perspective. Sometimes it helps to slow down and try to think logically about whatever it is. Try to view the situation from multiple angles.
If you have a hard time hitting the breaks on negative thinking, here is something that may help. Stop. Stop what you’re doing and thinking. Breathe and Relax.Take a moment to collect yourself and breathe deeply for a moment. Focus on your breathing. Reconvene. Now that you’ve taken a moment, think rationally and asses the importance of what you’re thinking. Ask a friend if you need help. Sometimes a sounding board is very helpful when you’re trying to put things into perspective
3. Affirmations
I like for the first words I hear each day to be, “I love you, beautiful.” Not from my man to me (although that’s wonderful), but from myself to myself. I try to affirm myself multiple times a day. Self-affirmations do a lot to create a positive relationship with myself. I am bathing myself with positive self-imagery. Even if you’re uncomfortable affirming yourself at first, you will soon begin to manifest the things you are affirming.
You should also look to affirm others. Other people need positive affirmations as well. Affirming others allows you to build positive relationships with others. You never know, your words could be just what they needed to hear to bring them into a better frame of mind. Never lose a chance to offer a kind word.
4. Stay Present
When we allow ourselves to get lost in the past or the future, we can sometimes get caught up in negativity. Staying in the moment allows you to slow down and really absorb the things that are going on, the feelings you are having and the thoughts you are thinking. Identifying the negativity that is trying to invade your positive potential is a key step in unlocking the power of positivity.
Once you are able to pinpoint the negativity, you can work to replace it. After a while it will become more habitual. Of course, situations will arise where it is very difficult to get to the positive. That’s when you have to “Relax. Relate. Release,” to quote Debbie Allen on an episode of A Different World.
Staying positive can change the way you relate to the world, and the way it relates to you. Unlocking your positivity will reduce your stress levels, increase your personal happiness and allow you to embrace more opportunities. If personal growth is what you’re after, then try some of these suggestions and watch transformation begin to take place. Remember to be patient with yourself and not to get discouraged when you find yourself in a negative spot.
