10 Little Tips to Turn Negatives into Positives

by Brad Isaac on July 10, 2009

caps lock not necessary all the time

Stressful jobs, recession money woes and unrelenting pressure from family and social duties can turn even the most cheerful person into an anxious pessimist with little motivation. But positivity is all in your mind, and once you understand that your mood and your outlook on the life is something you can actually control, you’ll be more ready to tackle any challenges that life hurtles your way. Here are ten little tips that will help you turn negatives into positives, ultimately letting you lead a life with less worry.

  1. Speak in the positive. Even if you have to convey a negative thought or emotion, say it in the positive. For example, instead of saying or thinking “I can’t get through this,” say, “I’m lost” or “I need help.” Speaking in the negative just reiterates your negative feelings.
  2. Rethink obstacles. Try to view problems as something you can work through, instead of obstacles that prevent you from getting what you want. Just because your first plan of action didn’t work, doesn’t mean there isn’t another way.
  3. Avoid ultimatums. The more pressure you put on yourself and other people, the more out of control you’ll feel. Ultimatums also tend to make small issues blow up into problems that cause more trouble than they’re worth.
  4. Force yourself to smile or laugh. Release a little positive energy by smiling at someone or telling a joke.
  5. Remember the things you’re good at. If your job is killing you, think of all the things you’re actually good at, like fly fishing, listening to others or painting.
  6. Reach out to others. You don’t have to see a therapist to reap the benefits of talking about your problems. Friends and family can also give you another perspective on your problem that will help you get through the tough times.
  7. Sleep on it. If you just can’t see around an obstacle, put it aside until after you get a good rest.
  8. Start more sentences with “I can.” Try to turn as many “I can’ts” into “I cans” each day.
  9. Reduce your stress level. Try to reduce your stress level by doing one positive thing each day, by giving yourself a little more free time, going to bed early, or visiting with friends.
  10. Figure out how your problems will pan out in the long term. Will this problem still be a major issue in 3 weeks, 6 months, or one year? Gauge your reaction to problems by asking yourself how important and relevant they are to your life.

This post was contributed by Tara Miller, who writes about the online psychology degrees. She welcomes your feedback at TaraMillerr00 at yahoo.com

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{ 8 comments }

July 10, 2009 at 8:35 am

Thanks for the post. I am positive always and everywhere. I never get down etc. Life is one, and there is no time for negative. I live my life only in pleasure for me.

July 14, 2009 at 1:16 pm

thanks for the tips. i am quite a negative person. i think that these tps will improve my social life (if i can apply them in real life)
.-= Danielle Relation´s last blog ..Et le lendemain… =-.

Brad Isaac July 14, 2009 at 6:18 pm

Danielle, You can be more positive. It takes practice and determination. When I was younger I had a negative attitude about most things. I didn’t have a lot of hope for the future. But by realizing we choose whether to think negatively or positively helped me develop better thinking habits.

The next time you feel yourself getting angry or sad, take a minute and ask yourself, “is there another way I could be viewing this that is more positive and helpful to myself?”

July 17, 2009 at 2:33 am

Love it.

I put my own spin on your 10 points and looked at it through the lens of Customer Service. They fit perfectly.

http://servingmatters.blogspot.com/2009/07/10-little-tips-to-turn-negatives-into.html

July 21, 2009 at 8:45 am

I hope so that many people will see this post, because I realize that in these days the people are so angry and unhappy, everybody need more positive emotions in your life :)

July 21, 2009 at 5:08 pm

As a project manager, I was told that I was too optimistic! I don’t think you can be too optimistic or too positive in life. A positive attitude helps you clear the hurdles and deal with life’s challenges.

I think my positive attitude builds morale amongst my team and makes everyone happier and more productive.

Natalie MacNeil,
She Takes On The World

July 27, 2009 at 3:24 am

The world is a cruel place for people who are sensitive because when they are brushed in the wrong, lots of negative thoughts spring up in their heads almost instantly. I also think that negativity stems from ignorance. When someone is negative, there is a tendency to be repulsive, defensive or withdrawn. Point no. 3, is always the place in their mind they will end up; that is how people become separated or families get torn apart because individual members harbour negative feelings towards one another without talking it out.

These maybe little tips but they really go a long way to help save relationships.
.-= Annie Cook´s last blog ..Advice And Tips On Advice And Tips =-.

October 30, 2009 at 2:49 pm

I know a friend who’s coach in high school used to tell him that he will never be a basketball player. He took that negative comment as a motivation to prove his coach wrong. He would be the first in the gym and the last one out every day! With his dedication and work, he got in his school basketball team and won plenty of awards. Now when he says he used to be fat no one believes him. Think Huge when it comes to someone putting you down and turn it into a positive and you never know where this will take you!
.-= Mark Arnold´s last blog ..FIRST GRADERS INSPIRE ADULTS TO DREAM BIG =-.

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