19 Simple Tips To Think Positive And Be Positive
Why do I struggle to think positively?
Do you find yourself stuck in a place of negative thinking? Do your thoughts always turn to the negative side, and do you struggle to understand why this happens?
This is a common condition many people struggle with, but it can have devastating and long-lasting effects on your life.
Negative thinking can stop you from achieving many things, it can ruin relationships and can hurt your self-esteem.
There are many reasons why you may be struggling to think positively, such as;
deep-rooted habits
past experiences
subconscious conditioning
You can find yourself struggling to think positively if you've been surrounded by negativity, stress, or criticism for a long time.
This can cause your mind to lean more naturally toward pessimistic thinking, and your mind will believe it is protecting you.
Negative thought patterns can become automatic in your life, which can mean it makes it difficult to break the cycle without conscious effort. However, just as negativity is learned, positivity can be cultivated through awareness and practice.
How do I start feeling more positive?
If you are aware that your thoughts are on the negative side and would like to start making a shift towards more positive thinking what do you do? The first step is to shift your thinking.
This means shifting to a more positive mindset. It is here that everything will start to make sense and changes can happen.
Shifting to a positive mindset begins with small, intentional changes in your daily life.
Surround yourself with uplifting people who fill you with positive energy. Engage in activities that bring you joy and inspire and motivate you.
Practice gratitude daily as this can help rewire your brain for positivity.
Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, train your mind to recognize what’s going right.
Once you begin to make this change in your thinking, you will notice that many things are going right in your life. This is where the seeds of positivity will begin to appear.
Positivity is a habit that grows stronger the more you nurture it.
19 Simple Tips
1. Begin the day with a positive routine
The first place to begin making changes is first thing in the morning. How you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day.
If you get out of bed and feel refreshed and well rested, you will automatically feel more positive.
Getting up as soon as your alarm clock goes off is essential. Lying in bed will cause cortisol, the stress hormone, to rise, so get up straight away. Start to develop a positive morning routine.
A positive morning routine can help you feel more in control, focused, and motivated.
Simple habits like stretching, meditating, journaling, or listening to uplifting music can shift your mindset before the day even begins.
Start your day with gentle activities that don’t put too much stress on your nervous system.
Avoid reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, as this can introduce stress and distractions. Instead, set an intention for the day and approach it with optimism.
2. Set exciting goals for yourself
Having meaningful goals gives you a sense of purpose and direction, making it easier to maintain a positive mindset. Choose goals that genuinely excite and challenge you, rather than ones based on external expectations.
When you wake up with something to look forward to, your energy shifts towards growth and possibility. Break your goals into small, manageable steps to keep yourself motivated and avoid overwhelm.
If you find it difficult to create meaningful goals alone, then hire a life coach who can help you to set goals that will produce amazing results in your life.
3. Keep your self-talk positive
Begin to be more mindful about the way you talk to yourself. Your inner dialogue shapes the way you see yourself and the world around you.
If you constantly criticise yourself, it becomes harder to believe in your abilities and embrace positivity.
Challenge negative self-talk by replacing it with empowering statements that reflect your strengths and potential.
Speak to yourself as you would to a loved one—with kindness, encouragement, and patience. If you find it difficult at the beginning, start your day by saying 10 positive affirmations about yourself in the mirror when you are brushing your teeth.
4. Practice gratitude
One of the simplest, quickest and most effective ways to raise your vibrations and feel more positive is to practice gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful tool that can shift your mindset from lack to abundance.
When you take time to appreciate what you have, your focus moves away from what is missing or going wrong. Keeping a gratitude journal, expressing appreciation to others, or simply reflecting on positive moments each day can boost your overall happiness. Gratitude rewires your brain to recognise the good in every situation, even during challenging times.
Even if you feel you have nothing to be grateful for, you can always find something if you think about your life. The more you look for the more you will discover.
5. Introduce positive affirmations
Affirmations are simple but powerful statements that reinforce self-belief and positivity. By repeating phrases like “I am capable,” “I attract success,” or “I deserve happiness,” you reprogram your subconscious mind to align with these truths.
The key is to say them with conviction and consistency, preferably in the morning or before facing challenges. Writing them down or speaking them in front of a mirror can amplify their impact.
6. Start living mindfully
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction.
When you live mindfully, you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings, allowing you to respond to life with greater clarity and positivity. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, focus on what is happening right now.
Simple habits like mindful breathing, savouring your meals, or fully engaging in conversations can help you cultivate a more peaceful and optimistic outlook.
By training your mind to appreciate the present, you naturally invite more joy into your life.
To get started in this practice, take yourself outside for a mindful walk, preferably in nature. Notice the sights, sounds and smells all around you and become fully immersed in everything.
7. Challenge any negative thoughts that arise
Everyone can suffer from negative thinking at times, but when you constantly dwell on negative thoughts, it can begin to take a toll on your mental and physical well-being.
The problem with negative thoughts is that you can be totally unaware of their existence. Negative thoughts can be automatic and deeply ingrained, but they are not absolute truths.
Whenever a negative thought appears, pause and ask yourself, “Is this thought factual, or is it based on fear and assumption?” Reframing negative beliefs with empowering alternatives can shift your perspective. Instead of saying “I’ll never be good enough,” try “I am always growing and improving.” The more you challenge negativity, the weaker its hold becomes over your mindset.
8. Watch out for triggering situations
Be aware of what is happening around you and the people you have in your life. Certain environments, people, or habits can trigger negativity and drain your energy. Identifying these triggers is essential in maintaining a positive mindset.
Start to pay close attention to what makes you feel stressed, anxious, or doubtful, and create strategies to either avoid or better navigate these situations. It can be very useful to start writing down the negative situations to help you identify the triggers.
Whether it's limiting time on social media, distancing yourself from toxic relationships, or setting healthy boundaries, protecting your energy is key.
Awareness is the first step toward change, and once you recognise your triggers, you can regain control over your emotional state.
9. Change your lifestyle
Start to take a good, hard look at your lifestyle and make necessary changes to improve your well-being. Your daily habits play a crucial role in shaping your mindset and overall happiness.
A lifestyle that supports a positive mindset includes nourishing foods, regular physical activity, quality sleep, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Reducing stress through meditation, hobbies, or spending time in nature can also greatly enhance your well-being. Small, consistent changes in your routine can lead to profound shifts in how you feel and think.
10. Associate with positive people
Many influential people believe that the people you surround yourself with will be the people you become, like attracts like. The people you surround yourself with influence your energy, mindset, and beliefs.
Spending time with uplifting, supportive individuals who encourage your growth can help you maintain a positive outlook.
Seek out those who inspire you, celebrate your successes, and challenge you to become your best self.
Likewise, minimise interactions with those who bring constant negativity, gossip, or drama into your life.
11. Observe your thought habits
We are often told, “What you think about, you bring about”, so become more aware of the thoughts that are creating the world around you.
Your thoughts shape your reality, so it’s important to become aware of the patterns running through your mind.
You may be operating on autopilot, allowing negative thoughts to dictate your emotions and behaviour without questioning them.
Start observing your thought habits, and you can then identify recurring negative patterns and work to reframe them.
Pay attention to the language you use—are you often thinking in extremes, assuming the worst, or being overly self-critical?
Awareness is the first step to change; once you recognise unhealthy thought habits, you can replace them with more empowering beliefs.
12. Make fun a part of your daily life
Try and have more fun in your life to relieve the negative thoughts that can build up in your mind.
Laughter, play, and joy aren’t just for children—they are essential to a happy, balanced life.
When you allow yourself to have fun, you reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost creativity. Making time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s dancing, painting, playing games, or watching a funny movie, helps break up routine and brings a light-hearted feel to your day.
Fun isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for mental well-being. A life without joy becomes dull, but one infused with playfulness keeps your energy high and your outlook positive.
13. Expect the best to avoid catastrophizing
Are you someone who naturally expects the worst to happen in life? Catastrophizing—assuming the worst possible outcome—is a common mental habit that fuels anxiety and negativity.
If you constantly expect failure, rejection, or disaster, your mind will find ways to confirm those fears, and it will start to show up in your life time and time again.
Instead of catastrophizing, train yourself to expect positive outcomes, even if challenges arise.
Shift your perspective by asking, “What if everything works out better than I could have ever imagined?” The more you anticipate good things, the more likely you are to attract them.
14. Take a walk in nature to improve your mood
There is something amazingly restorative about being outside in nature, so try to get out as much as possible.
Spending time in nature is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to elevate your mood and clear your mind. Fresh air, greenery, and natural light help reduce stress, increase focus, and promote a sense of well-being.
Even a short walk in a park or by the water can reset your energy and bring a sense of peace. Nature helps to remind you to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty around you as well as release the feel-good hormones that will boost your well-being.
When life feels overwhelming, stepping outside can bring clarity and a renewed sense of positivity.
15. Focus on the positive aspects of every situation
Wayne Dyer said, “ When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” This is such a powerful way to approach life when you are feeling negative about a situation.
Every situation, no matter how difficult, has something to teach us or a silver lining to be found.
Training yourself to focus on the positive aspects doesn’t mean ignoring challenges, but rather choosing to see the growth opportunities within them.
When faced with setbacks, ask yourself, “What can I take from this?” or “How can I use this experience to become more resilient?”
Shifting your perspective can help you move forward with strength and optimism.
16. Stop Yourself when you start on a negative path
You are ultimately the one who is in control of the thoughts you have and therefore you have the power to change the way you think. Therefore you need to be aware of your thoughts and stop yourself when you are thinking negative thoughts.
Negative thoughts can spiral quickly if left unchecked, leading to anxiety, doubt, and pessimism. The key is to catch yourself early and redirect your focus before negativity takes over.
When you notice yourself dwelling on a problem, ask, “Is this thought helping me or hurting me?”
Replace unhelpful thoughts with constructive ones, focusing on solutions rather than problems.
Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or even saying “Stop!” out loud can interrupt the pattern and help you regain control.
17. Do more of what you are passionate about
Start to take control of your thoughts and live a life full of passion. Passion fuels positivity. Engaging in activities that truly excite and fulfil you makes it easier to maintain an optimistic mindset.
Doing what you love—art, music, writing, helping others, or travelling—creates a deep sense of joy and purpose. If you’re unsure of your passions, explore different hobbies and interests to find what lights you up inside.
When your life is filled with meaningful activities, negativity naturally fades into the background.
18. Begin a meditation practice
Meditation is a powerful tool for cultivating a positive mindset by calming the mind and reducing stress. Even just a few minutes of daily meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, making it easier to shift away from negativity.
Meditation teaches you to observe your thoughts without judgment, allowing you to break free from self-doubt and worry.
Over time, this practice rewires your brain for greater focus, resilience, and inner peace.
19. Make positivity and happiness a study
Positivity and happiness are skills that can be learned, just like any other subject. You need to focus and dedicate time and energy in the same way you would any other subject.
By reading books, listening to podcasts, and surrounding yourself with uplifting content, you train your mind to think more positively.
Seek out personal development resources, inspirational speakers, and scientific studies on happiness to reinforce a growth-oriented mindset.
The more you expose yourself to positive influences, the easier it becomes to maintain a joyful perspective.
Final Thoughts
If you want to begin living a more positive life, you need to start getting serious about the thoughts you are having.
This means changing your mindset. Embracing a positive mindset begins with conscious awareness of your thoughts and beliefs.
Start by challenging negative self-talk and replacing it with affirmations that build self-acceptance and encouragement.
Surround yourself with uplifting influences, whether through supportive friends, inspiring literature, or motivational content.
Practice gratitude by recognising the good in your life, and taking the time to reflect on your achievements, no matter how small.
Engaging in mindfulness and staying present can help reduce anxiety about the future and regrets from the past.
Ultimately, cultivating positivity is a daily practice, requiring patience and dedication, but the rewards of improved well-being and resilience are well worth the effort.
If you would like help in changing your mindset to live a more positive life then coaching could be just what you are looking for. Book your FREE discovery call here.
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