How to be Positive

"The way we see the problem is the problem," says Stephen R. Covey, best-selling author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Learning to be positive and stay positive requires tweaking the lens you see life through until the adjustment becomes natural and second nature. "Positive emotions also produce health and well-being and they do so not simply within the present, pleasant moment, but over the long term as well," according to Barbara L. Fredrickson, psychology professor at University of Michigan.

Instructions

• 1

  Be proactive. In every situation you face, you have choices and are in control of your reactions and goals. Don't sit back and allow life to simply happen to you. In frustrating everyday situations, make the choice to see them for what they are -- not a big deal in the scheme of things.

• 2

  Develop goals. Developing goals from small to large-scale gives you purpose and something to reward yourself for when you reach them.

• 3

  Prioritize your life. Realizing what is important helps keep your mental outlook positive and your goals accomplished.

• 4

  Learn to listen. Listening is one of the skills that many people lack. This lack adds to miscommunication and strained relationships. Understand what others are saying before you attempt to be understood. This skill also shows others that you value them.

• 5

  Maintain your physical well-being. Do your best to eat nutritiously, exercise daily and allow time for adequate rest.

• 6

  Take care of your social life. Make meaningful connections with other people. Listen to their stories and learn from others. Having meaningful relationships with friends and family is helpful in keeping a positive outlook when you have a difficult day.

• 7

  Exercise your mind. Consistently feeding your mind through reading, learning, writing and other activities keeps your mental agility intact. Giving time to yourself through these activities helps to maintain a sense of growth and wards off feelings of stagnation.

• 8

  Expand your spiritual self. Positive thinking happens through getting out into nature and allocating time for meditation, art, music and prayer.