In last week’s blog, I talked about Thomas Edison and how one of the key ingredients for his success was his positive attitude.

I also shared how he was able to stay positive in the face of adversity and personal tragedy when his huge laboratory caught fire and was destroyed. This meant his life’s work literally went up in smoke and he watched it happen, powerless to stop it.

This week, I thought that I would share some ideas and suggestions to maintain and increase your positivity.

1. Live in the present, 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 once that 70% of what we worry about never happens, 25% is trivia and 5 % is out of our control. Save worrying until you actually have something to worry about. Remember happiness is a now experience.

2. Be self-disciplined.

Setting clear goals and taking action each day towards achieving them helps raise our esteem and confidence. Having daily routines and 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 focus and discipline gives us the freedom to enjoy life and make the most of our leisure time. It improves our mood and reduces anxiety.

3. Show gratitude. Appreciate all that you have in life.

Take a few minutes each day to write down 10 things that you are grateful for. It helps you focus your mind on what you have rather than what you don’t have. This develops an abundance mindset rather than one of scarcity and lack. Make a conscious effort to show your appreciation to people who support you and make your life easier. Like attracts like, this simple act will attract even more things to be grateful for into your life – I am a great believer in the phrase, “What you focus on grows.” Therefore spend time focusing on what you desire.

4. Practice self-care – make good health a 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. 30 minutes aerobic exercise helps to reduce body tension. Good sleep helps the body to heal and repair – look to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Count the calories and watch what you eat. You may say that you haven’t got time to exercise and sleep for that long. It may be that If you don’t make the time to take care of yourself, you’ll be forced to find time to be ill.

5. Hang out with positive people.

If you have ever worked with someone where nothing appears to be right in their world, that complains constantly and does not like people, you will know what a draining experience it can be. Be discerning about the company that you keep. Associate with people that will challenge you with good intent, that have belief and faith in you and your abilities 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.

6. 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. Life is busy and demanding and we can all get a bit serious from time to time. Regularly watch things that make you laugh. On occasions give news bulletins and newspapers a miss and use the time to watch a favourite comedy show or film. Read something funny or look at a book of humorous cartoons.

7. Keep a journal

If you do find that your mood dips or you are having a challenging time, one of the best things that I find helps is to write how you are feeling in a journal. There is no need to edit the words that you write, just note down whatever is on your mind and let your pen flow on the page. Writing in this way allows you to release any frustrations, hurt or confused feelings. It externalises what you are thinking and feeling and brings clarity, calmness and a sense of balance.

8. Maintain your boundaries – say no when you need to without feeling guilty

We all have a limit to the amount of time and energy available to us. Whilst it is a great feeling to please others, in doing so, we sometimes don’t honour our own needs. Saying yes, when you actually want to say no does nothing for our self-esteem and can have a negative impact on our mood. When we over commit, it depletes our energy levels and can make us feel quite stressed.

On a plane when they are doing the safety announcements, they always tell you in the event that the oxygen masks appear, to put yours on first. Why is it that? The reason is because you are helpless without oxygen and unable to help others!! Politely say no when you need to, put yourself first sometimes and apply your oxygen mask!.

I hope that you have found these thoughts useful and that they make a positive difference to your life. This week why not have a think about what steps you can take to maintain and increase your positivity?

Quote for the week:

“Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?”

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