Goodbye Negative Attitude, Hello Optimism: Personal Reflection and 20 Tips to Help You See the Light!

My summer has focused on the quote, 

“You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can always choose how you respond to it.” 
― Roy T. Bennett

It’s been a total game changer with my overall mental health! We all know that it is easier to find the negative, complain and dwell on it. Instead, we should focus our mind on finding the positive in ANY situation! 

Earlier in the year, I began to suffer from Insomnia. I would only sleep 2 hours a day. I lost motivation to work out, be social, and procrastinate with my final assignments. My environment was so clouded, I felt like I was drowning. I felt out of it. I allowed negativity to consume all the light within me.

 One morning, I told myself that I am done with being in the dark! Going forward, I will expel my energy seeking only the positive with what life gives me. I made a promise to myself that I wanted to change and be a person who has that positive happy aura. I set a goal to soul search and any action that had a negative solution would be solved with a positive outlook! It is taking a lot of practice, self-evaluating, and growth. 

I am human and expect to make mistakes! I will view these mistakes as a positive tool to re-evaluate where I am on my journey to a positive mindset! I feel that in order for me to start the upcoming school year on the right foot, I needed to break away from the things that made me so dark and become a light to help my future students find their way out!

Let’s take a step back and reflect on how negativity impacts everyday life… 

We are going to recall on a day you have overslept for work and you realize that you are late! When your brain realizes what has happened, you feel a sense of negativity. It’s actually fear! 

• I can recall days like this and immediately started thinking how off my day was going to be and how my coworkers would be annoyed because I altered their day. Therefore, I was setting my whole outlook with limited focus and thoughts. I knew that my coworkers would be upset therefore I would become consumed in negative thoughts and shut out the potential optimistic influences in the environment. 

• Another example could be that you and a coworker had a disagreement, therefore, you are consumed with anger. You can’t think about anything else! How about those days where you are stressed due to deadlines? 

• These examples demonstrate how your brain only focuses on negative emotions of fear, anger, and stress. It activates the fight or flight instinct that will drain you completely! 

How Does Positive Thinking Fosters an Open Mind?

In a nutshell, our achievements and fulfillment are determined how we perceive things. We have the power to give specific meanings (emotions) to the events and situations in our everyday life! We are in control of our energy! 

Attitude impacts EVERYTHING!!! You are directing thoughts, emotions, and energy through the actions you demonstrate. 

 How can I start to think positive? The truth is… adopting an optimistic mindset!

Here are some tips how to start working on developing an optimistic mindset that will transform into a positive attitude!

1.    Find good in all outcomes that are given! Sometimes life toss you into some pretty crappy situations. Focus on how lucky you are to not have had something even more challenging come your way. 

2.    Set realistic expectations. If a friend has a history of not committing to dates, should you complain when he or she bails last minute? 

3.    Look for the light in any negative situation. Trust me, there are opportunities lurking in the dark. You have to keep your mind open to avoid overlooking them.

4.    Express love, compassion and empathy to others! Optimism is CONTAGIOUS!

5.    This is a BIG ONE! Be selective with material read, conversations heard or that include you! Be mindful of how surrounding yourself with negative information will affect you!

6.    Remove the word can’t from your vocabulary. Studies have proven we are lifetime learners! Let’s replace that can’t with try!

7.    Stay calm in situations that make you feel overwhelmed! Your reaction demonstrates your true character when you are pushed to the limits.

8.    Be thankful for everything you have! 

9.    Accept what you cannot change. Let’s face it, we can’t change the world no matter how hard we try

10.  Keep the past in the past! You should only look ahead! 

11.  Focus on creating solutions instead of making problems larger.

12.  Remind yourself that you are someone’s role model! Inspire those who look up to you.

13.  REST, RELAX, and TAKE CARE OF YOU! 

14.  Practice FORGIVENESS 

15.  Think only positive things about yourself! You are worthy, smart, and amazing!

16.  Smile!

17.  Demonstrate optimism when speaking to others. This includes eye contact, body language, and tone. I will say it’s rude to look at your phone when others are speaking and let them speak, don’t interrupt! 

18.  Create Goals. Achieve and create more!

19.  Walk with confidence! You do belong! 

20.  Celebrate success of others! 

One a final note, be mindful of how you speak about others. We are all human and have faults. When complaining or speaking in judgment about someone only demonstrates your character, not theirs! 

I look forward to any suggestions, additional tips, and comments! 

Xo’s 

Jen