6 Ways to Think More Positively

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One of my personal goals for 2018 was to think more positively.

I don’t know about you but in the past, I’ve found this to be pretty difficult. When I’m faced with obstacles or challenges, the first place my mind goes is the worst case scenario. I can’t help it. It’s my instinctual reaction.

HOWEVER, lately I’ve been making a conscious effort to think more positively. I truly believe that positive thoughts play an important role in success and happiness. And I really don’t think it’s healthy to stress yourself out with the negatives all the time.

That being said, I’ve figured out a few techniques for getting myself to think in a more glass-half-full mindset. They’re been working well thus far, so today I thought I would share them.

#1: Start the day earlier 

One thing that has helped me think more positively recently has been waking up earlier. I wrote a post about this a little while back, but I made the decision to change up my sleep schedule, and it’s been one of my best decisions ever. Getting up early and enjoying my morning coffee has become of my favorite daily rituals. It gives me the time to wake up and really prepare for the day. Plus, it allows me to get a jump start on whatever tasks need to get done, which frees up my schedule later in the evening.

#2: Find quotes you love (and put them everywhere)

I used to not be a big quotes person. To be honest, I thought they were kind of corny. But then, I realized how powerful quotes can actually be. Now, I love quotes. And I put them EVERYWHERE. On my walls. In my planner. Wherever I can see them. They help me keep a positive attitude going throughout the day. And I often find that I catch glimpses of them just when I need them the most.

I did a post about some of my favorite quotes a while back, if you’re looking for some for yourself. Pinterest is also a great place to start.

#3: Exercise regularly

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Exercising on a consistent basis can help with positivity as well. This is actually something I’ve been doing for a while now, but I’ve only just come to realize how drastic of an impact it can have. There’s something about exercise that invigorates me and makes me feel like no problem is too big to solve. It’s an awesome way to give yourself a boost of positivity.

#4: Identify negative thoughts immediately 

A good rule of thumb is to sense when a negative thought is starting to come on and immediately put a stop to it. It’s when you start overthinking or focusing on the negatives that they become harder to control. I usually find that negative thoughts come my way when I’m trying to do too many things at once. As soon as I feel one start to creep in, I force myself to step back from what I’m doing and reevaluate.

#5: Plan it out

For me, one of the most common reasons that I’ll start thinking negatively is because I’m feeling overwhelmed and stressed. If my schedule seems to busy or I’m struggling to meet a deadline, I can’t help but feel as though I’m trying to do the impossible. What makes these situations seem much less bleak is planning. You guys know me. I plan things. Always. By the hour, if possible.

Arranging specific times for when things are going to get done alleviates that sense of having too much to do. It gives a logical structure to whatever task you have in front of you by breaking it up into manageable chunks. And when things seem more doable, it’s a lot easier to think positively.

#6: VENT 

Let’s face it: We’re all human. And sometimes there isn’t a positive outlook to every situation. Sometimes we just need to vent. To a close friend. To a family member. Maybe in the form of a journal entry. Sometimes we need to take our frustrations and our negative thoughts and do something with them. Because while it might be important to have a positive attitude, it’s also important to let things out when you need to.

Ultimately, positive thinking can be a real challenge. It’s tough to look on the optimal side of things when a situation seems bleak. However, doing so can ease your stress and help you flourish under pressure.

I hope these tips were helpful. And if you’ve ever struggled to think positively, I’d love to hear what you’ve done to change that. Thank you so much for reading!

Do you have any tips for thinking positively? 

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34 thoughts on “6 Ways to Think More Positively”

  1. Thank you for this! This is something I have struggled with for a while as well. I have currently just changed job, and I have seen a massive improvement in my mood already! I love being happy, so I’m trying to keep it that way! I also love quotes, I follow loads of Instagram accounts, and always post inspirational quotes! Hope you have had a lovely weekend 🙂

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  4. I completely agree with getting up early, I think tiredness can contribute massively to mood and getting up too late or sleeping for too long can make you feel so sluggish and horrible. Exercising is another too, surprisingly it can really combat a lot of bad feelings and if you do things like go out for relaxing walks, that in itself is really therapeutic!
    Alice Xx

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  5. I think that thinking positively can be quite hard but definitely things like waking up earlier can at least help put you in a better mindset x

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  6. Love these tips – so helpful! Similar to a post i’ve just written about making small successes in each day rather than focusing on the whole year to not get too bogged down in those days which aren’t as successful! x

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  8. Great post. These are some really great tips for ways to think more positively.
    I really want to start making sure I get to bed a bit earlier, so I can start the next day a bit earlier. Also great tip on identifying negative thoughts immediately.
    Clem x
    http://www.clemloves.co.uk

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  9. Number 5 struck a chord with me. I have been trying to be more positive this year after a bad time of it and I’ve noticed the postive thinking takes a fall back whenever I am overwhelmed

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  10. I love this blog! Anything to even get people thinking about positivity is great.

    Our thinking has such a major impact on our lives.

    Keep up the good work

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  12. I have been exercising a lot more recently and I do agree, I think there are so many benefits to exercise! I enjoyed reading this xx

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  13. I love a good vent! And it always feels so much better when you’ve had a good moan about something! I love how happy I am when I’m exercising. I always notice such a huge difference in my whole attitude towards my body. I usually run and I can’t right now due to a pesky little hip injury but I can’t wait to get back out there! x

    Sophie
    http://www.glowsteady.co.uk

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  14. These are great tips! I’m definitely trying to incorporate exercising regularly into my lifestyle but it’s hard sometimes when my schedule seems so jam-packed! I do agree that starting your day earlier = positive life 🙂

    ☼ cabin twenty-four

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  17. I woke up early this morning (no clue that I would be doing #1 from your list at the time) and it’s been amazing! I accomplished so many things so far, ate a good breakfast, and have felt much happier! I think my biggest tip is to make your bed every morning! I’ve done it every morning for the past 7-8 years and recently watched Admiral McRaven’s speech where he talks about it and completely agree with him on the ways that it really sets you up to accomplish your goals throughout the day, because you start your day by accomplishing a goal (even if it’s just a tiny one)!

    – https://andlivloves.com/

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