How do I become more positive?

Question

I have a real negative side to me. I focus on all the things that are wrong with the world and I can't seem to stop myself.
Does anyone have any good techniques for stopping these kind of thoughts in their tracks?

Answer 1

Positive attitude >>is a requirement for healing, but sometimes people think that having a positive attitude means never admitting that they have any problems, either psychological or physical. They think that a positive attitude means denying negative conditions and that if they hold an image of complete positivity in their minds, the image will materialize.

Positive attitude results from the proper understanding of how to work on yourself. When you know you are clearing long-held negativities; when you feel yourself growing, positive attitude comes naturally. You become positive about accepting and experiencing the negative. You become positive about all of life, not just about whatever is immediately pleasing. The finite mind surrenders to whatever the Higher Self brings forth, and you become the Witness. Such a positive attitude can supply the energy and enthusiasm

Answer 2

In my experiences, basically you need to decide that you want to be a happier/more positive person and then follow on that. For example, when you're thinking about something sad, say to yourself that no, this is negative for you, and instead think about how you can help out, think about the good things in the world.
Example, when I went to a charity event for orphans, I could have either cried for the orphans or smiled because I was able to help in some way - and I chose to do the latter.

Another thing is that when I'm feeling sad, I always remember what I felt like when I was happy, and I know that I'll be happy again. I don't dwell on the possible negative outcomes of things because I will face those when I get there. I think, 'Well, I'll be sad if that happens, so why be sad now and be sad when it happens?'. I'm not saying I take weird risks or suppress my troubles - no, I simply try my best to be positive. When I am upset, I think about the issue and deal with it, but I don't dwell on it to the point where it is only making me upset but not being productive.

I came to the conclusion that a lot is based on our decisions - we decide whether to be happy or not - for a large part, you make that decision.

Also, accomplish some of your goals, or set new ones for yourself, whether short-term or long-term. It is nice when you feel that your life is playing like those scenes in the movie where everything starts going right. This will help you be more positive!

Answer 3

I have a real difficult time remaining positive, especially when I am sick.

On good days, I just look for the funnier side of things that happen. On bad days, I force myself to find that funny side because I know it's there somewhere.

It would be a miracle if you could just stop those thoughts in their tracks, so let me know if it ever happens to you. I have to work hard every day to stay positive.

Answer 4

I can be a bit like that too. It's kind of like my picky Virgo nature is constantly scanning to look for ways to improve things. I wany to make things better, so I am focusing on the defects or weak points. It's like I am negaitve for a positive reason or just very good at fooling myself.
Probably the best way to get out of it is to tell yourself to be happy with the good stuff. Allow yourself a minute to soak in the sunshine. You deserve it. It's really the small and beautiful moments that are our treasures. Give yourself permission to value to small daily pleasures no one else seems to care much about - reflections in the water, tree bark patterns, the way a child rambles.
There are so many problems in the world right now with politics, violence, our garbage culture and so on that you might consider restricting your TV watching to sports and movies at night. That way you won't go to bed completely stressed our.
When someone else chimes in with comments on negative things, try to move away from that topic quickly. Especially if it is at night or early in the morning.
Do not allow yourself to rant and vent onto others, if you can control it.
It might help you to study a bit about Zen Buddhism and the practice of "mindfulness". It can be just for this purpose - for helping you. You do not have to commit to anything or even communicate with people about it unless you want to. I read about it from time to time and I've started going back to read the Tao Te Cing by Lao Tzu (Taoist philosophy). One thing that is stressed there is not to force things, and why.

Answer 5

I believe you need more fulfillment out of life. This will bring you good experiences and will contribute to a positive outlook. Start with neglected interests, go out with fun women, travel, etc. I know how you feel. I have the same problem, but I used to be worse.

Answer 6

Also a book called Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman. The book has tests you can take to gauge your optimism, positivity, etc... and tips on improving that. The book also has a website (http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/default.aspx) with the inventories on it.

I think he may have another book called Learned Optimism. I haven't read it, but hear it's good.

Answer 7

Read The Power Of Positive Thinking .Dr. norman vincent Peale.. Change your thinking change your life . Trust me it works