We live in some pretty crazy times!

It’s so easy to get sucked into the negativity that we can be bombarded with daily from the media, the people around us, our jobs and our environment. 

The good news is, we can do something about this. We have a lot more control over what enters our life than we sometimes realize.

Below is a simple list of things you can start to do right now, to begin living a more positive life. By implementing this process, you will begin to develop the habit of reducing negativity and increasing positivity in your life. 

How to be positive:

1. Set your intention to become more positive. 

Our intention is simply what we want and plan to do. By setting our intention to become more positive, we are essentially laying out our desired path and beginning to walk down it. Setting our intention is one of the most important and effective ways to begin manifesting what we want.

2. Become aware of the words you use. 

When speaking to others, we often unintentionally use words such as can’t, impossible, never, hate, unfair, jealous, sucks. It’s important to be aware that almost nothing is truly impossible – it just seems that way sometimes. There are always miracles hiding around the corner. We just have to open up to them. 

We sometimes place judgements on others or call them names that position them in a less than honourable place. This does not cultivate positivity. Begin to notice when you are doing this.

Become aware of how you speak about yourself. Instead of putting yourself down when you’re unhappy about your behaviour or the results of it, simply encourage yourself to do better next time. Life is about learning and growing, not getting everything perfect the first time.

Words are powerful and become very habitual. It’s easy to use the same negative language you heard your parents or peers use while growing up. By bringing our awareness to the words we use, we are taking the first step to making positive changes.

3. Become aware of the thoughts that run through your head.

These may be quite similar to the words we use. Perhaps more abundant and even more harsh. The internal dialogue that runs through our heads is usually a constant flow. If left unexamined these thoughts can really bring us down. Simply start to notice the thoughts that flow through you. Do they feel positive or negative?

4. Start making changes to your words and thoughts.

When you recognize words or thoughts as less than positive, stop, back up and rephrase the statement in a more positive way.

Avoid gossip. It doesn’t serve anyone in a beneficial way. Do your  best to only discuss yourself or the person you are in conversation with rather than individuals who aren’t present. Try re-directing conversations that are about others back to topics that are about those you’re speaking with or yourself.

You might get some funny looks. If you choose to, you can let the person you’re speaking with know that you are making an attempt to be more positive. Most people will appreciate your intent and may even become secretly inspired to try it too.

As for negative self talk, you can do the same thing. Just stop when you notice it and re-phrase the thought in a more positive way. Over time, the positive thinking and speaking will become your new way of being and it will all flow more naturally.

5. If you have supportive people in your life, let them know that you’re making it your intention to be more positive and that you would appreciate their support.

Having a support team makes anything that’s new, easier. This way, you’ll have others that can help point out bits of negativity as it creeps in. Just remember to be gentle with these folks who are helping you. They are simply doing as you requested, not criticizing you. Also, their guidance is providing you opportunities to interact with them in a positive ways.

6. Spend less time with negative people.

This isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Remember that every bit of negativity that you decrease in your life, allows more space for positivity to flow in. It’s not necessary to tell people that they are too negative and that you’re cutting them out of your life. This can be hurtful. A more positive approach is to make gradual changes in the direction of your own positivity. Over time, these more negative folks may be inspired to make some changes of their own, or you may simply drift apart slowly as your interests and focus changes. It’s very difficult to remain positive in the face of constant negativity, but it can be done.

7. Seek out more positive folks to spend time with.

By declining a few invites to hang out with negative folks, you are freeing up space for more positive people to show up in your life. When you meet people that you find inspiring, let them know how you feel. Share your intention with them and see if there are ways that you can model some of the behaviours you admire. When we put our attention on the positive, it grows stronger in our lives.

8. Stop feeding yourself with negativity.

The media, violent programming, gossip and junk food all take a toll on our well being.  We get out of life what we put into it and that includes what we feed our body, mind and soul. Be aware when you are watching or participating in something that is physically, mentally or spiritually abusive to your being. Walk away and turn your attention to something more positive.

9. Start feeding yourself with positivity.

Seek out inspirational movies, stories, books and art that you really dig. Search for the good in everything you experience. Learn new things and look into different self improvement tips and techniques.

Eat good quality foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. You can even put your positive intentions into your food as you prepare. Think about how you are nurturing your body by feeding it in a wholesome and respectful way.

Look for other people that are working to make things better and help out wherever you can.

10. Be gentle with yourself.

It takes practice to turn around old habits. But before you know it you will be feeling better and attracting more positive situations and people into your life.

Enjoy the process and if you would like some help, I invite you to get in touch with me.

Solah Nightstar works as an Empowerment Coach and Manifestation Mentor helping Changemakers create the world they wish to see.

solah – who has written 30 posts on Positively Purposeful.

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