9. If something still gets under your skin then know what to do
Just letting that issue out into the light talking it over with someone close can be very helpful to see it for what it actually is.
I have found over the years that with a stronger self-esteem things drag me down less and they don’t ruin my day as much anymore.
Negativity from others bounces off me much more often instead. If you want to practical help with this then have a look at my 12-week, step-by-step Self-Esteem Course.
10. Start your day in a positive way.
If you get going at full speed, lost in future troubles in your mind then the stress, perceived loss of power of over your life and negative thoughts will ramp up quickly.
11. Mindfully move through your day.
When you spend your time in the present moment then it becomes so much easier to access positive emotions and to stay practical about what you can actually do about something in your life.
When you get lost in the past or future like so many of us have spent a lot of time on doing then worries very easily become bigger.
And failures and mistakes from the past being replayed over and over in your mind drag you down into pessimism.
By moving slowly through your morning and hopefully through much of the rest of your day it becomes easier to mindfully stay in the moment you are in.
It might sound like a small and insignificant thing to do. But this simplifying reconnection with the moment can have a very positive effect on the rest of your day.
Here’s the next step…
“This is really helpful information. But what’s the easiest way to put this into practice, actually stick with it and stay positive even on tough days?”.
A free step-by-step checklist that includes all the steps in this article… plus 3 additional bonus steps. Save it or print it out so you have it for your daily life and for the next time when you get stuck in negative thinking.
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About the Author
Henrik Edberg is the creator of the Positivity Blog and has written weekly articles here since 2006. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Gothenburg and has been featured on Lifehack, The Huffington Post and Paulo Coelho’s blog. Click here to learn more…
Henrik, I always look gorward to reading your inspiring messages. Thank you so much for your insight and your willingness to share with so many of us that need it. May peace be yours.
I too have been studying how to change my outlook, through teachers like Richard Boyatzis (emotional intelligence) and Shaun Achor (positive psychology). Even though I am a positive, enthusiastic and bubbly person; I am also intense and easily stressed out, finding it hard to let go of negative situations not realising the true potential. I also always “struggle” with those fears of meeting my goals because taking those steps seems the scariest part. And as you can tell, I over-complicate things. The opening quote by Peter McWilliams and your article has encouraged me to stop correlating professional vulnerability with negativity.
I really appreciate this article! The points you make about learning to take criticism in a positive way and also starting the day with a positive outlook was really helpful. Keep up the great work!