There have been some dreadful and senseless events in the world over the past few weeks and pretty negative news stories involving conflict and uncertainty.

It has led to lots of people questioning what is happening and if the world has gone mad. Many people have told me that they are struggling to stay positive in the midst of such negative and disturbing situations.

I totally understand how these events can have an effect on people’s moods and increase anxiety. Like attracts like and negativity tends to attract more negativity. Similarly positivity tends to attract more positivity.

It got me thinking about what small contribution I could make to help people with their positivity levels. There’s a chapter in my book (Be First Class) called “maintaining a positive attitude.”

I have detailed below some practical ideas and suggestions from the chapter which I hope help you in some way to maintain and increase your personal positivity levels:

  1. Defer worrying. Put off worrying until you have a reason to worry. We can all spend lots of time locked in our heads imagining all sorts of scenarios that never actually happen. I was told that 70% of what we worry about never happens, 25% is trivia and 5 % is out of our control.
  2. Be self – disciplined. Setting clear goals and taking daily action helps raise our esteem and confidence levels. Having daily rituals mean that we make the best use of our time. Many people resist structure for fear that it sucks the fun out of their life, when in fact it gives us the freedom to make the most of our leisure time.
  3. Appreciate all that you have in life. Take a few minutes each day to write down 3 things that you’re grateful for. It helps you focus your mind on what you have rather than what you lack. This develops an abundance mindset rather than one of scarcity. Like attracts like, this simple act will attract even more things to be grateful for into your life
  4. Hang out with positive people. Be discerning about the company that you keep. Avoid toxic people and situations. Associate with people that have belief and faith in you and encourage you to develop and grow. Socialise with people that aim high, think positivity, genuinely care about you and make you laugh. Be that person for them too.
  5. Remember to laugh. Nothing increases your mood and energy levels more than a good belly laugh. The news coverage can contain lots of negative and sad stories. Regularly watch things that make you laugh. Take a break from news bulletins and newspapers from time to time. Read something funny or look at a book of humorous cartoons.
  6. Keep a journal. If you do find that your mood dips or you’re having a challenging time, write down your feelings and frustrations as this will help release any hurt, confusion or negative thoughts. It externalises what you’re thinking and brings clarity, calmness and a sense of balance. It restores you to positivity.
  7. Maintain your boundaries. Say no when you need to without feeling guilty. We all have limited time and energy and it’s important we address our own needs. Saying yes, when you actually want to say no does nothing for your self-esteem and can have a negative impact on your mood.
  8. Practice self-care. Make good health an absolute priority. If you have good health you have everything and it helps you to keep good energy levels and a positive frame of mind. Your health truly is your wealth. Aerobic exercise releases endorphins and helps to reduce body tension. Get sufficient sleep and count your calories.

Reflection time:

This week, why not pause for few moments and reflect and consider what steps you can take to increase your positivity levels.

This week’s quotation:

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”     Sir Winston Churchill.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk