It isn’t the things that happen to us that determine our happiness – it’s the way we look at our world and manage the events in our lives. Perhaps you failed that test or got rejected for a date, but instead of falling into a pit of despair, you picked yourself up and said, “I’ll get through this. Then I’ll just try again next time.”
It isn’t easy to tell yourself in the moment that these bumps in the road aren’t the end of the world, especially if you are used to talking negatively or hearing negativity around you. In that case, in what ways can you adjust your lifestyle to incorporate positive thinking? Here are a few tips that may help.
1. Appreciate the little things
In this day and age, it can be easy to get sucked into negativity through the media and the fast pace of the working world. When this happens, it can be way too easy to forget to stop and enjoy the beauty around you. If you want to spread some light and add a spring to your step, take a few minutes each day to think about people and things in your life that you’re grateful for. Perform a random act of kindness. Literally “stop and smell the roses.” If you keep at one with the world around you, time won’t seem to move so quickly and you’ll be able to slow down a little.
2. Learn to accept failure
It happens. It doesn’t matter how awesome you are. You’ll fail, and you’ll face rejection. Instead of internalizing failures and letting them consume you, chalk them up to learning experiences and move on. It may not be easy at first, but you’ll be better for it in the long-run. Honestly, failure is only a state of mind. There’s winning, and then there’s learning experiences that make you smarter and wiser so that you win even bigger next time.
3. Speak positively about yourself
Everything you say has power, including what you say about yourself. It can be harmful to your confidence and your emotional health if you constantly bog yourself down with self-hate. Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, think about your strengths. Don’t be afraid to look in the mirror in the morning and tell yourself how smart or beautiful you are. Be your own cheerleader.
Science has proven that our brains have the ability to change in response to our experiences, so it’s up to us to help keep them healthy by wiring them for positivity. It can be a challenge at first to make a habit out of positive thinking, but your mind and soul will be healthier in the end. It starts with creating your own happiness rather than waiting for it.
