Negativity is discouraging. It can exacerbate stress, strain our relationships, make us less productive, and rob us of our happiness. Positivity has many enriching benefits that can impact our health, relationships, careers, and life for the better.
But, how does one become more positive? Is it as simple as changing your mindset?
Here are two things you can begin doing today to help you develop a more positive mindset.
Keep a Thought Journal
A negative internal dialogue will drag your spirits down. The first step to developing a positive mindset is banishing this damaging head-banter.
If you have difficulty identifying the negativity at play within, a simple first action is to keep a thought journal. Write down a sample of your thoughts, things you say about yourself or others, events, or your view of your day. Then, analyse these thoughts by reading the journal daily and try to establish any thought patterns.
Do certain people, events or stress factors trigger your negative thoughts? Take note of these and the next time you face a similar situation, try to choose a more positive or constructive approach. In the beginning, this will take a lot of focus. But, once you begin transitioning toward positivity, it won’t be long before this mindset establishes itself as your standard way of framing situations.
Through keeping a thought journal, you will quickly learn how all-consuming negative thoughts can be. Apart from hijacking your precious time, these negative thoughts are holding you back from fulfilling your potential, achieving your goals and getting on with the business of living a remarkable life.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
A gratitude journal is an incredible way of recording all the meaningful things in your life. Many of these things can go unnoticed as we hurriedly go about our lives, lurching from one task to another. The reality is that if we removed all meaning from our life, joy and happiness would quickly follow.
By keeping a gratitude journal, you actively bring all the meaningful things in your life to your attention.
Every morning, write down everything in your day and life for which you are grateful. Perhaps you are thankful for your friends for their support, the warm bed you sleep in, the beautiful sunrise or sunset you witnessed that day, your health, or a thriving vegetable garden. If someone compliments you or says something very thoughtful, write this down too.
Gratitude is self-fulfilling. The more you embed the practice of being grateful into your life, the more grateful you will become, and the more meaning and positivity you will find in life.
Practising these two simple things will transform how you respond to the world around you. A positive outlook has the power to change your life. Be patient and keep working on it. The rewards for your diligence will be limitless.