How can I be more positive?

Question

I love to talk, but most of the time it's about things I don't like or things that annoy me or bad things that have happened. I know that most of the time I am very negative about everything, without even realizing it.

What are some things I can do to be more positive?

Answer 1

I understand. I have exactly the same problem. Here's what works for me.

Number 1: find a positive person to hang around with. Depression is contagious. Avoid it.

Number 2: When you catch yourself dwelling on the bad stuff, stop talking. Catch your breath, deliberately turn your focus another direction and head off on a new topic. Sometimes you actually have to physically turn your head or body to make that break.

Number 3: Force yourself to list things you are grateful for and that have gone well. Keep that list close and learn to recite it.

And for the final step: Keep a diary. But don't put ANYTHING negative in it. Before you go to bed, write something positive in it, even if you have to make up some silly little fiction story about a fluffy little caterpillar or something. Keep at it until that knot in your back releases. You'll understand when it happens. Your mind lets go of the negative and you can physically feel it. I bet you notice your dreams will be better. Then, in the morning, write down something positive you're going to do for someone else. Buy donuts and carrot sticks for your co-workers. Make up a happy joke to share. Tuck a card in your spouse's lunchbox/briefcase/luggage. Send your grandmother a quick note. Call your mother or aunt, or cousin or someone who's day you can lighten up. Avoid the old grouches in the family until you're mentally ready to deal with them. Doing something nice for someone else does amazing things to you're own heart.

Negativity is a habit. It has to be broken like a habit. Change your thinking patterns and even the cloudy skys look bright!

Answer 2

The worst thing to be negative about is about being negative.
There are X number of bodytypes and half are negative.
Since you love to talk, this is an indication of a positive bodytype in your mix. Most bodytypes are a mix of 2 or 3 types. Be grateful that you are not totally negative, because then probably you would be a loner. Yet I do know what you mean. I have been aware of my negative outlook for many years. It is ok. What would not be ok is having the habit of expressing negativety. That will make you sick. Negativety is what is created by negative emotions when it is expressed.
The challenge here is that repressing them will also make you sick. What`s left? First check to see if you habitually feel anger, hatred, revenge, depression, and such. If not and you only habitually check out negative possibilities first, you don`t need to do anything, you are ok as you are. If you do habitually feel these negative emotions, then transformation is required for your own health and that of your loved ones.
One approach is to find out what makes you feel good emotionally speaking. Some people who have serious problems in that area spend days watching collections of comedy movies. One can spend time with kittens, puppies, babies, whatever. Focus your attention on the feelings rather than the thoughts. After a while of selective focusing on positive stuff, a new habit replaces the old one. Then you will notice much sooner that your mood is starting to dip. Memorize a saying (like mine- All Is Well) to say to yourself when you notice that dip and also to remind you of your intention. In less than two weeks you will have it beat and your life will be much more fun. You will still see the negative aspects first but you will have gotten a grip on the negative vibes of the negative emotions. Have fun !

Answer 3

The mind is a powerful tool There is a quote by Norman Vincent Peale that goes something like this "What the mind can conceive and believe,It can and will achieve. What I'm trying to say is we are who and what we think we are? If you can unconsciously condition yourself to be negative what if it was possible to "consciously condition yourself to be positive? Take seven days and force yourself to not let nothing {or nobody bring you down} Just seven days?Try it? Also look for the book called "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Dr. N.M.Peale it changed my life!

Answer 4

Heh I have the same problem as well. Interestingly enough just three days ago I stopped doing it almost entirely and being more positive. Honestly I don't really do anything differently, I try to enjoy life more and tell myself to be more positive. It worked surprisingly well.

Answer 5

For me, i will improve in the matters that that I am not so good. Talk less on the issues that I am not familiar. However, I do not brag on the issues that I am familiar. Most important, tell myself everyday, that all things are possible... NOthing is impossible..

Answer 6

ask yourself what you learned from these negative experiences. next time youre talking to someone and you find yourself saying "yea, it was a horrible experience..." add "but i did learn something from it, i learned..." you need to reflect on it and understand why it was bad and turn it into something positive.