We’ve all had those days. Those days that you know are going to be absolutely terrible from the moment you open your eyes. From the moment you wake up, you know you’re in for a rough one. The negativity just pours out of you the rest of the day. Yea, we have all been there. A bad day now and then is normal, but if you are having a bad day everyday, we need to talk.
I know first hand how easy it is to get stuck in a down ward, negative spiral. Then I realized that it really isn’t healthy to just have a constantly negative attitude. (duh). I decided enough is enough and came up with a plan to become a truly positive person. To become the type of person actually enjoy spending time with and hanging out with.
The transformation to a primarily positive person is almost instant. I truly noticed right away how much better I felt, even after just the first day. The results are real, and they are amazing. So without further ado, here are the steps to being a more positive person.
Step 1: Create a positive self image
This step is the hardest, but it is the most worthwhile. You can not truly love anyone or anything until you learn to love yourself. Start by looking in the mirror and saying 3 positive things about yourself. It can be about your eyes, smile, your mind, anything at all, as long as it is positive. Take a minute or two to really take a look at yourself and admire the positive. This step is key to success in creating a positive lifestyle. This step needs to be done everyday to ensure you start your day off on the right foot.
Step 2: Give yourself goals
Right after your positive self image practice, it’s time to establish some goals for the day. I try to stick to the magic number, 3. They can be as easy or as hard as you would like, and they can absolutely be repeated as many days as you like. For example, one of my daily goals is to make my bed. For me it helps establish a routine and really helps me get my day going. The other 2 vary from day to day or week to week depending on how hard i make each one. The goals need to be realistic and they really need to be carried out. This will help you to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, which are all part of a positive attitude of course.
Step 3: Make someones day
This is a really easy one. Give someone a compliment, pay for their coffee at the coffee shop, help someone with their groceries, or even a simple smile and a “hi, how are you today.” Any of these can really turn someones day around. We never know what kind of day someone else is having and paying it forward really is a wonderful thing. It all comes down to just being a nice person. Making someones day without wanting or expecting anything in return.
All too often we find ourselves trapped in our own little world and in our own feelings, that we don’t always take the time to consider other people’s feelings. Now I’m not saying you need to bend over backward for everyone and let people walk all over you. Just a simple gesture to let them know there really are good people out there.
Step 4: Don’t sweat the small stuff
No matter how positive you are or become, not everything is going to go your way. There is no such thing as perfect, after all. That being said, not every action deserves a reaction. Someone messed up your order in the drive-thru? OK that is a simple fix, just check your food before you drive off, that way you don’t even have to leave your car to fix the issue. Did someone cut you off on the highway? OK, that’s not very nice of them, but it doesn’t need to ruin your entire day. Even finding out someone was talking about you doesn’t have to ruin your mood. Just talk to that person directly, like an adult. Rectify the situation before it becomes an issue. It takes a lot of will power to accomplish this step, but it feels so good to let the small stuff just roll off your sleeve and forget about it.
Step 5: Don’t worry about what others think of you
Not everyone is going to like you. It’s just life. Guess what? That is alright! Nobody likes everyone, and no one is liked by everyone, it just isn’t meant to be. Don’t worry if someone doesn’t like your shirt, as long as you like it. There is nothing more freeing than not worrying about what anyone else thinks of you.
Well, that’s it, the recipe for a positive attitude. Life is too short to not enjoy every minute you can with those that matter most. Having the power to truly be yourself and enjoy life rather than picking it apart is a wonderful gift. Don’t let another day go by in a negative state of mind.
XOXO,
JB