Life has its ups and downs. Some people go through the good and bad equally the same, with a resilient, upbeat attitude. They get pushed down by one of life’s obstacles, and they spend their time thinking of how to get back up rather than focusing on what made them fall in the first place.
Then there are other people who find the negative in every aspect of life, even in a pretty pink rosebud. They give off negative energy and in turn, the universe sends negativity their way in spades. They have negative things happen to them invariably.
When you think positively, the following manifest itself in everything you do:
Positive thinking
Constructive thinking
Creative thinking
Optimism
Motivation and energy
Having a positive attitude can help you in a number of ways, such as:
Makes you stronger in the face of hardships
Helps you to believe in yourself and your abilities
Allows you to see failure as a blessing in disguise
Boosts your self-esteem and confidence
Helps you recognize opportunities and know how to make the best of them
Allows you to look for solutions instead of problems
Living a long, fulfilling, and happy life is all about being resilient and optimistic.
Here are a few tips to seeing the brighter side of things and getting things in balance:
Get Some Perspective
Sometimes we just tend to worry about something so much that it loses perspective and is blown out of proportion. Writing down what’s bothering you will help you to focus and think with more clarity. By analyzing your worries, you’ll feel lighter and make decisions based on logic rather than on fear or stress.
For each item, ask yourself these questions:
- What’s the worst thing that might happen?
Will it matter in a year’s time? In 6 months?
Does it really matter in the greater scheme of things?Accept Things as They Are
It’s easy to complain and feel miserable and too sluggish that you don’t get off the couch and keep postponing that project you’re supposed to be working on. However, it’s a whole other story to face your worries and fears and decide to accept what you can’t change and change what you can for the better.Take Action
The first thing you should do is take the first item on your list and break it down into simple, logical steps. For example, if you need to change careers or look for a new job, break it down into smaller steps such as updating your resume, speak to friends and contacts in the industry, visit internet job sites on a daily basis, etc. Persistence is key. Once you have your list of smaller steps, all you have to do is follow through and the rest will take of itself.Exercise
Those who exercise on a regular basis, whether it’s walking, going to the gym or working out at home, tend to see things from a brighter, more optimistic viewpoint. For one, their brain stops releasing stress hormones and starts releasing endorphins, which help elevate your mood and give you a brighter perspective on life. In addition, they feel like they are able to take charge of their health instead of passively growing old. They also tend to get sick less because their immune system is stronger which makes them less prone to suffering from diseases, diabetes, or high blood pressure.Connect with Others Socially
Having a full social calendar is the key to success. You don’t have to go out every single night, but it is healthy to have a wide circle of acquaintances that you see on a regular basis. Talking to others gives you a better understanding of whatever is worrying you, and knowing that you have someone you can talk to and who can come to you is priceless.
One important note, however, is to make sure you’re surrounding yourself with the right kind of people; those who are optimistic and positive, with a good head on their shoulders.
We get affected by people’s attitudes very easily. If one of your friends is in a bad mood, it’ll rub off on you especially if they’re always stuck in that bad mood. It’s a known fact that positive people generally have greater success in both work and relationships.
They have an innate ability to look at life’s challenges with humor and are resilient when it comes to the obstacles life throws their way. In addition, optimistic people laugh often which produces endorphins that help you feel good about yourself.
As Victor Hugo quotes in Les Miserables, “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” In short, your life will reach a sense of balance when you take positive and certain actions toward allaying your concerns. After that, have faith that things will work themselves out.– Scott Blessing