positive attitude helps a person be successful essay

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Essay on Positive Thinking | Short and Long Essays on Positive Thinking for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay on Positive Thinking: Positive thinking is a belief, a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images that good things will happen and that one’s efforts will be crowned with success. Positive thinking is opposed to negative thinking which harbours the mind through thoughts on apprehensiveness, fearfulness, and unsure of success in efforts.

Positive thinking is reinforced by thoughts such as optimism, hope, and belief that hard work is never wasted. A positive mind anticipates happiness, health,  joy, and a successful outcome of every situation and action and works wonders like magic.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

The Essay on positive thinking throws light on the power of positivity that helps individuals create and transform energy into reality. Besides, the article on positive thinking is broken into multiple essays of varying word count to help you prepare during events and even organise a small paragraph or speech on positive thinking.

Very Short Essay on Positive Thinking 150 Words

Positive thinking is a reflexive attitude developed or imbibed overtime that pushes you to expect fair and desired results. The power of positivity is to create, reinforce, and transform energy into reality with the mindset to seek a healthy and happy ending regardless of the situation.

Positive thinking leads an individual to success as they develop an attitude that helps them think that they can achieve the things and not be fettered by the problems that cross paths with success. Positive thinking is achieved through determination, perseverance, self-confidence, and hard work.

Positivity plays a significant role, and many prosperous people have achieved through reinforcing positive thinking in both their personal and professional lives. Thus, in challenging situations, people seek some light that leads them to positive thinking.

Positive thinking evokes more energy, leading to determination and hard work, ultimately translating to success. It would be best to remember that nothing gears up people to make wholehearted efforts to perform some task as positive thinking.

Short Essay on Positive Thinking 200 Words in English

Positive thinking is an optimistic attitude that helps individuals practice good things in any given situation. Positive thinking holds a significant impact on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health.

Positive thinking does not mean you ignore reality or take light of the unresolved problems. It merely means that you approach the good and the bad situations in life with the expectation that things will fall into place.

Several studies have looked at positivism’s role, leading to optimism in an individual’s mental and physical health. Positive thinking holds multiple physical health benefits like better physical health, better stress management, longer life span, better pain tolerance, more excellent resistance to illness such as the common cold, lower chance of having a heart attack, and lower blood pressure.

Positive thinking harbours multiple mental health benefits such as better mood, less depression, more creativity, clearer thinking, better coping skills, and incredible problem-solving skill.

Studies have stated that people with a positive and optimistic outlook may be more likely to lead and live a healthy lifestyle since they hold a more optimistic view of the future. To wage a better world, human beings can choose to become better than they are now. Thus, positive thinking must start with ourselves.

Long Essay on Positive Thinking 250 Words in English

Introduction to Positive Thinking Essay: Positive thinking is an emotional and mental attitude that remains concerned with a bright and acceptable part of life focused on expecting positive thoughts from life. Positive thinking leads to happiness, healthy life, and ultimately success. A positive person can overcome any obstacle that might occur in a certain period of difficulty during a lifetime.

Positive thinking helps you expect good and favourable results; that is, positive thinking is the process of creating thoughts that creates and transforms energy into reality. A positive mind waits for happiness, health and a happy ending in any situation.

How to Apply Positive Thinking?

• Use positive words while talking
• Make use of words that evoke strength and success
• Redirect your thoughts
• Remove all the feelings that are not positive and focus on positive thoughts
• Practice positive affirmations
• Start thinking that you will succeed in meeting the objectives
• Forgive yourself and allow yourself to move on
• Analyse what went wrong to avoid future mistakes and look forward to more positive
• Working at your visualisation or imagination to build more positivity and motivation
• Think of failure as an opportunity
• Practice gratitude to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and foster resilience during difficult times
• Practice self-talk and be mindful of the voice in your head and respond with positive messages

Conclusion on Positive Thinking Essay

In conclusion, you need to change our attitude and believe that we are going to succeed. You need to implement positive thinking techniques that help you learn from your failures, stay focused, forgive yourself, and make positive friends and mentors. Positive thinking can play a significant role in every individual’s life.

Long Essay on Positive Thinking 400 Words

Introduction to Positive Thinking Essay: Positive thinking is an attitude that helps a person highlight the brighter side of their life and helps to lead a healthy and happy life. Positive thinking brings an immense amount of satisfaction and leads to a healthy mindset. Positive thinking helps students overcome their obstacles and makes them healthy, determinant, and self-independent people. Positive thinking enhances energy, helps people have an open mind, keeps them happy, and attain success with confidence. A positive person spreads positivity and sorts out the negative thoughts and helps them relax and stay calm.

How to Build a Positive Attitude?

• People should inculcate the habit of reading motivational and inspiring stories of people who achieved success. These stories will motivate and inspire you and show you the steps they undertook to achieve success and implement those steps in your life.
• Do not allow your negative thoughts to thrive in your mind and work towards putting an end to this habit. Always stay on guard and replace your negative thoughts with constructive, positive reviews. Start paying attention to your ideas and replace the negative thoughts with productive, happy and positive thoughts.
• Make use of affirmations as these positive statements will sink into your subconscious mind, which in succession will guide, inspire, and motivate you to take action. The use of affirmations applies to visualisation, creating mental scenarios of what you want to hold and what to want to achieve.
• Finally, stay guard and play the role of the doorkeeper of your mind as it helps you make significant changes in your life. Do not be afraid to take action and do not remain passive in small matters and big ones. If you keep yourself busy by doing various things, there will be less likelihood of becoming cynical and hold a greater chance of remaining positive.

How to Remain Positive?

Try to remain positive during a profoundly distressing experience or grievance, and it’s essential to take the pressure off of yourself to find the silver lining. Instead, channel your energy into getting enough support from other people.

Positive thinking does not mean burying the negative thoughts experienced to avoid complicated feelings but to motivate oneself to move on and make positive changes. When facing hard times, comfort, and give yourself sound advice, acknowledge the feelings and remind yourself how strong you are to battle and get better.

You won’t undo the years of pessimism and negative thoughts overnight, but with practice, you can learn how to approach things with a more positive outlook and apply positivity through the ups and downs of life.

Very Long Essay on Positive Thinking 800 Words in English

Positive thinking is an emotional and mental attitude that helps individuals focus on the excellent aspect and expect results to benefit them. Positive thinking anticipates happiness, health, and determination, ultimately leading to success- practically, training oneself to adopt an abundance mindset and cultivate gratitude for one’s successes and those of others.

Positive thinking usually starts with self-talk as the process is a  never-ending stream of the unsaid point of view and can be either positive or negative. However, some of the self-talk can result from logic, while others can arise from misconceptions that can occur due to lack of information.

Negative thinking can cause depression and can supplement depression and other mental trauma. Negative thoughts can undermine an individual’s efforts to control depression. Thus, positive thinking is an approach that challenges the obstacles life throws at every individual with a positive attitude.

Benefits of Positive Thinking

There are several physical and mental health benefits offered by positive thinking, and every person would be amazed by how positivity can affect their health better.

Better Health: Positive thinking leads to better health. Refraining from negative thoughts like anxiety, stress, frustration, and worry can present you with a stronger immune system, thus relieving you from vulnerable and significant illnesses. Reinforcing positive thinking permits you to fight off whatever bug is going around. Studies have proven that those individuals who feel better, live together than those who do not.

Strengthens Immunity: Positive thinking can assist you a great deal in battling multiple ailments such as common colds and influenza. Negative thoughts can weaken your immune response. Medical research and studies have shown that negative thoughts can cause more significant electrical activity in a part of your mind that cuts the immune response.

Boost Confidence: Positive thinking can boost an individual’s confidence and is a crucial stigma that leads to self-confidence. Positive thoughts and behaviours leave individuals more confident and self-assured.

Fights Depression: It is proven that one of the most significant aspects of depression is pessimistic thinking. Studies have stated that any individual who changes their negatives into positive thoughts can start to fight depression and develop a way to elevate positive thinking.

Reduces Blood Pressure: Individuals suffering from high blood pressure and having a hard time to remain positive must start reviewing life and start with some positivity in life. Negative thoughts lead to high-stress levels and anxiety, leading to high blood pressure. Changing the negative thoughts into positive can significantly contribute to reducing your blood pressure.

Key to Success: It is the fact that it is positive thinking people are more probable to remain successful in life than negative thinking people. Individuals who implement positive thoughts in life aspects will notice that success becomes more manageable and is not severe as many people think.

How To Increase Positive Thinking?

Here are a few things that will help individuals increase positive thinking in life-

• Sleep: When an individual is tired, the brain cells can absorb glucose highly diminished and compensate for enough sleep. Individuals crave sugary snacks to reimburse for low glucose levels.
• Meditation: Studies state that people who meditate daily display more positive emotions than those who refrain from meditation. Meditation also builds valuable long–term skills such as increased mindfulness, purpose in life, social support, and decreased illness symptoms in individuals. Contemplation can also be replaced by writing and playing as it boosts self-confidence through positive thinking. These can help you fight the negative thoughts and remain positive throughout.
• Exercise: Exercising for as little as ten minutes releases a neurotransmitter GABA that soothes the brain and keeps the person in control of their impulses. If you have trouble resisting the impulse to walk to the office next door, insist and keep walking. It would be best if you have the urge under control by the time you get back.
• Forgiveness: A vicious cycle of failing to control oneself is often accompanied by the feeling of intense disgust and self-hatred in attempts at self-control resulting in offending behaviour. Forgiving yourself plays an important role and shifts your attention to what you’re going to do to improve yourself in the future.

Positive thinking is an emotional and mental attitude that focuses on a person’s determination, willingness, dealing with the brighter side of life, and positive results. People can achieve almost anything with a mind and allows a paradigm shift in the method of thinking. The negative thoughts and tragedies are a result of one’s own thinking and actions.

An individual with a positive mind can do many positive things and experience positive thoughts such as love, contentment, and joy removes all the obstacles. Positive thinking is a way of living life with comfort and is almost 99 percent effective. Positive thinking holds an intense impact on an individual’s health, offers them better career opportunities, and helps individuals build and develop better relationships.

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Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Students are often asked to write an essay on Qualities of a Successful Person in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Introduction.

A successful person is not defined by wealth alone. Success is about achieving personal goals, being happy, and contributing to society. Let’s explore some qualities of a successful person.

Hard work is crucial. Successful people understand that effort is required to achieve goals. They are not afraid of challenges or failures.

Resilience is another key. Success often comes after numerous failures. Successful people learn from their mistakes and keep trying.

Positive Attitude

A positive attitude helps in overcoming obstacles. Successful people are optimistic and believe in their abilities.

250 Words Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Success is a subjective term, varying from person to person. However, certain qualities are universally recognized as key indicators of a successful individual. These include resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability among others.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks. Successful people are not immune to failures, but they possess the mental fortitude to learn from these experiences and continue forward. They view obstacles not as insurmountable barriers, but as opportunities for growth and learning.

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is another hallmark of success. It involves understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and motivations. Successful people are introspective, continually examining their actions and decisions. This self-awareness allows them to make informed choices, align their actions with their values, and continuously improve themselves.

Adaptability

In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is a crucial trait for success. Successful people are open to new ideas and are able to adjust their strategies and plans to suit changing circumstances. They are not rigid in their thinking or approach, but rather, they embrace change and innovation.

While there are many qualities that can contribute to a person’s success, resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability stand out as particularly important. These qualities enable individuals to navigate the challenges of life, learn from their experiences, and continually adapt to new circumstances. Therefore, cultivating these qualities is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone seeking to achieve success.

500 Words Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Self-discipline.

One of the most important qualities of a successful person is self-discipline. It is the ability to control one’s impulses, emotions, desires, and behavior. It is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful. Successful people understand the importance of consistency and persistence in their actions. They do not let immediate gratification distract them from their long-term goals.

Resilience is another critical quality. Success is not always a smooth journey; it is often fraught with failures and setbacks. Successful people are those who can withstand these challenges and bounce back stronger. They view failures not as the end but as stepping stones towards success. They learn from their mistakes and use them to improve and grow.

Curiosity and Continuous Learning

Successful individuals are inherently curious. They have an insatiable desire to learn and grow. They understand that the world is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead, they must continually update their knowledge and skills. They are open to new ideas and perspectives, and they actively seek opportunities for learning and development.

Integrity is a fundamental quality of successful people. They are honest and ethical in their dealings. They believe in fairness and justice. They uphold their values and principles, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. Their actions are guided by a strong moral compass, and they earn respect and trust through their integrity.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

In conclusion, success is not merely about wealth or fame. It is about fulfilling one’s potential and making a positive impact. The qualities of self-discipline, resilience, passion, curiosity, integrity, and emotional intelligence are key to achieving this success. They are not innate but can be developed and nurtured over time. As we strive for success, we should endeavor to cultivate these qualities within ourselves.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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How a Positive Mindset Leads to Success (and Why It Works)

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: February 16, 2022  - Last updated: March 25, 2022

Categories Self Improvement , Inspiration

It is amazing how a positive mindset can make all the difference to our success.

A positive person is not only more approachable and likable , but they also appear more attractive to others – both in their personal and professional life. It’s contagious and good for you!

In this article, I will explain why and how a positive attitude can lead to success

10 Reasons Why and How a Positive Mindset Leads to Success

1. stress relief.

The link between a positive mind and stress reduction has been researched and proven for decades, and yet many people still find themselves in the clutches of negativity.

Here are 5 tips that I have found useful:

• If you are having trouble getting out of a negative mindset, try starting your day with a “best case scenario” thought. Aim to think positively, even if it’s just for a moment . This way, you train your brain to see the positive side, which will be easier for you later in the day.
• Take five minutes each morning to write down three things you are grateful for . A simple gratitude exercise can help you focus on positive thought instead of what’s wrong.
• Practice active listening when you are talking to others, watching a movie, or listening to music. When you are actively listening, you are not thinking about how you want to respond or how you feel – instead, you are trying to understand other points of view.
• Challenge yourself by tackling new projects or learning new skills . It’s easy to feel good when things are going well. But it’s harder (and perhaps more important) to feel confident when you are taking on a challenge or doing something new.
• Pay attention to the way you eat, breathe, and drink. Mindfulness is a great way to reduce stress.

2. Health and Mental Health Benefits

A positive attitude can help you relax, stay calm, and stay on top of difficult situations. It can also help you manage stress, cope with challenges more easily, and build resilience.

Positive thinking is associated with:

• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to colds
• Better mental and physical well-being
• Better cardiovascular health and lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during difficult and stressful times

3. Coping With Challenges

The first step to overcoming a challenge is to believe that you can do it. The way we think about ourselves and our abilities impacts the results we achieve.

I am sure you have heard the phrase “mind is stronger than matter.” Well, there is some truth to that. Our mind is very powerful. We can use it to persuade ourselves to give up, or we can use it to motivate ourselves to keep going, no matter what obstacle is in our way.

The good news is that we have control over how we think and feel about something, so we can decide how our thoughts affect our actions.

4. Mind Opener

Many people think that having a positive attitude just means being happy. But it’s not quite that simple. Positive thinking is actually a way to open your mind to let new possibilities and ideas flow in. It’s a tool that helps you manage stress and anxiety and make better decisions.

There are many ways to develop a more positive outlook on life.

You can try writing or saying daily affirmations – words or phrases that you repeat over and over. An example would be, “I am strong” or “I am worthy.” The idea behind a positive affirmation is that if you repeat them often enough, they will influence your subconscious mind so that your brain will no longer think, “I am so stupid” when you do something wrong, but rather, “I am smart.”

You can also try to change negative emotions into positive energy. You could try writing down a negative thought in a journal (e.g., “I will never get this task done in time”). Next to it, write down the positive version (“I will work hard and finish the report before class”).

5. Confidence Boost

Self-confidence is the most positive emotion for success. If you want to achieve something in this world, you need confidence above all, because that will inspire others to believe in your vision and follow you.

With confidence, everything becomes possible, without confidence nothing is possible.

6. More Energy

A positive vibe is contagious; it spreads optimism everywhere it goes, which means people will feel more comfortable around you than they otherwise would.

When you have energy around you (and within you), everything becomes easier because people naturally

7. Make Better Decisions

Negative situations and feelings such as fear, anger, sadness, negative self-talk, and shame can interfere with our ability to manage ourselves and our relationships with others. Positive feelings, on the other hand, expand our repertoire of thoughts and actions. This makes it easier to make decisions.

When you approach your work positively, you develop a more optimistic outlook on your business, which leads to more creative ways to solve problems and achieve goals. This will also help you focus on the positive aspects of your business instead of the negative.

Here are some tips that can help you make better decisions:

• Review your options : Consider the possible outcomes of each option. How would you handle a possible failure if it came to that? What would be the worst thing that could happen? How would you recover from it?
• Create an action plan : Create a list of steps you need to take to achieve your decision so that all of your goals can be realized. Be specific about what you want to do and how you will do it. When you plan ahead, you have more room for error if things do not go according to plan.
• Make your decision : once you have reviewed all the options and made a plan, and make your decision.

Related: Simple Ideas for Creativity

8. Helps Others

A positive attitude not only affects the person who has it, but also those around them. People with a positive attitude are more likely to express their feelings, which helps them relieve tension and frustration. This, in turn, makes it easier for others to be around them.

When you feel good about yourself, you are more outgoing and confident.

People are attracted to this type of personality because they want to be with someone who is fun to be with.

When you are comfortable in your skin, you have a better outlook on life and do not let small problems get you down. You are also not as stressed as people who focus on the negative aspects of life.

9. Good for Your Career

A positive attitude, positive thinking, and a positive mindset can help you have more success in your life.

Success does not come by itself. It takes time, effort, and a lot of hard work to achieve it. However, if you have the right attitude, success will come much faster and to a much greater extent than if you do not have the right attitude.

How does a positive attitude help build a career?

A positive attitude helps you focus on what you want to achieve. Your focus allows you to maintain the direction of your career without being easily distracted by other things that take your attention away from what is important at the moment. A clear focus allows you to keep moving forward instead of taking a step back due to negative influences or distractions.

A positive attitude will make it easier for you to deal with obstacles that come your way as you pursue your goals and objectives on your career path. Obstacles will always exist in some form

Related: Is Positive Mindset a Skill

10. The World Becomes a Better Place

I believe if everyone in the world had a positive attitude, the world would look a much better place. It’s contagious. If you think positively, the people around you will think positively too.

Imagine if everyone in the world had a positive attitude, and how much better life would be. When you have a positive attitude, you tend to smile more, laugh more, and do things for others, which creates a ripple effect of positivity around the world.

5 Ways You Can Choose to Remove Negative Thinking and See the Positive

1. Focus on the positive . Make a list of all the things you like best and keep it with you. When you are having a bad day, pick up the list and read through it until you feel better.

2. Embrace change . Change can be scary, but think of how much you would be missing out on if you never tried something new! Remember that change is a part of life and we need to learn from our mistakes.

3. Be grateful . When we realize how lucky we are, it is much easier to be happy. Take time each day to think of all the things you have to be grateful for, like your health or the family and friends you love.

4. Look for the good in people . Everyone has something they like about themselves and others, but sometimes it’s hard to see. Make an effort to look for the good qualities in others, such as their kindness or sense of humor, and try to find ways to regularly compliment them on those qualities.

5. Surround yourself with positive people . Seek out people with a growth mindset and positivity. As mentioned earlier, positivity is contagious!

Avoid a Fixed Mindset

Sometimes it’s not easy to avoid people with a fixed mindset and a constant negative attitude and negative mindset, especially if you live with them. But negative feelings will not get you or them anywhere.

If you are dealing with people who constantly put themselves in negative situations, try positive psychology by taking new positive actions. For example, you can try to use as many positive words as possible or find positive results (however small) to move the person from their negative feelings to more positive thinking. If the negativity remains, because the person approaches everything with a fixed mindset and a negative attitude, try to respond positively, that way you give them a learning opportunity to transform a bad thing into a good thing.

If the person is persistent and keeps expressing negative feelings and there is nothing you can do to give them some happiness, try positive self-talk or positive action for yourself (this can be something as small as focusing on your breathing or feeling that the sofa you are sitting on is comfortable!

Positive Thinking Takes Work

Remember that it takes a lot of work to be a positive thinker, and not everyone is ready to learn the skill of positive thinking that leads to happiness and optimism. Often negative situations become a pattern, and becoming a successful person with a positive mindset means failure for every negative feeling they had, which can sometimes represent a lifetime.

The positive thing is that by reading this article you are already on your way to joining the crowd of positive thinkers, working on your positive energy, and if you keep working on positive results, you can even become a very successful person!

Related: Are Positivity and Optimism the Same Thing

Positive Thinking and Its Benefits Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

The mental attitude, which enables people expect the best in life, is known as positive thinking. It is through this process that our thoughts are transformed into reality (Quilliam 2008). It is through positive thinking that people are able to anticipate the best in everything they strive to do.

People are able to achieve success through positive thinking. People who have positive thoughts are believed to be successful in both their professional and personal lives. It is important that people take charge of their thoughts as this will help them avoid sadness. Positive thinking helps bring out the best in people and enables them to avoid some of the problems they face in life.

Benefits of positive thinking

The following are some of the benefits associated with thinking positively.

Helps avoid stress

Research has shown that people who think positively are able to cope with stress more effectively than those people who think negatively. Positive thinkers will always quickly try to find solutions to their problems. They act fast and consult widely before making decisions.

Improves immunity

Your mind is a very powerful tool that can affect your body negatively or positively. Recent research has shown that people who think positively have a strong immune system. They are therefore able to avoid some of the common diseases affecting people.

Improving your health

Positive thinking comes with certain advantages. They include increased lifespan, reduced risk of suffering from heart attacks and the ability to fight depression. Researchers believe that avoiding stress helps people live healthy lives (Quilliam 2008).

This can be defined as how well an individual is able to solve problems that he or she might be facing. Whenever positive thinkers are faced with complex situations, they always come up with solutions to their problems and will never give up. They will keep on fighting to the point where they are able to solve their problems.

Applying positive thinking

Sometimes, it is not easy to change everything that we have learned in our lives. However, it is important to make sure that we attract positive thoughts that will help us overcome challenges in life. The following are some of the measures we should take to ensure that we always attract positive thoughts.

When talking

It is important to avoid using negative words. These negative words should be replaced with positive words, which help us overcome some challenges we face in life.

Thinking of failure as an opportunity

We should see failure as an opportunity to make ourselves better than what we have been previously. Failure gives us a chance to review what we might have done wrong and gives us a chance to redeem ourselves.

Imagination

It is important that we take some time to think about our future. This will help us achieve what we have always desired. This will make us work hard and achieve our goals.

Redirecting thoughts

Sometimes, it is hard to keep negative thoughts from our minds. In this case, we should try to think of some of the things that we might have done in the past that brought joy into our lives. This is known as redirecting thoughts.

Positive thinking helps people achieve their goals and live healthier lives. Successful people are believed to be positive thinkers who have conquered the world by attracting positive thoughts. Applying positive thoughts in our lives will help us be successful.

Quilliam, S. (2008). Positive thinking . London: Dorling Kindersley.

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Essays About Attitude: Top 5 Examples Plus Prompts

Your attitude and demeanor affect all aspects of your life. We have found an inspiring list of essays about attitude to help you choose your own angle.

Attitude refers to a person’s way of thinking about something that affects their behavior. One can say that the proper attitude is vital to leading a fruitful life, whatever that might be for specific individuals. A “good” attitude and a positive outlook can better ascertain success, while a “bad” attitude predisposes a person to fail.

One’s attitude is founded upon knowledge, beliefs, and feelings and reflected in behavior. However, it is also shaped by your experiences.

If you want to write an essay about attitude, here are 5 essay examples and 5 prompts we have prepared to make the process easier for you. 

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers .

1. Attitude changes everything – it can change your life by Kate Darbyshire Evans

2. 6 ways to banish negative thoughts by emily co, 3. our life is a reflection of our attitude. by iqra shehzadi, 4. watch your attitude: your students are counting on you by amber chandler, 5. how to develop a positive attitude in the workplace by jennifer post, 5 writing prompts on essays about attitude, 1. why is a good attitude so important, 2. how can you change your attitude for the better, 3. is a bad attitude really as detrimental as it is said to be, 4. how has your attitude affected your life, 5. does attitude reflect character.

“Attitude changes everything. Change your attitude, and you can change your life. You cannot always control what happens to you in life but you can always control how you respond to the challenges or difficult situations you encounter. The attitude you approach anything with is entirely your choice. The way you choose to respond mirrors your attitude and so by changing your attitude you can change your perspective and change your life.”

Evans talks about how genuinely present one’s attitude is in the different aspects of their life. It can, quite literally, “change your life.” Regardless of your challenges, Evans believes that a positive attitude can help you steady your course and maintain a good life. She also gives readers tips on developing a good attitude and a more positive outlook on life, including being more grateful, not taking life too seriously, and stepping out of your comfort zone. 

“It’s easy to become jaded when life gets tough, but don’t get caught up in negative thoughts because it may hinder your progress. Seeing the world as a glass half empty may lead you to give up easier and not try as hard because you may think that it’s pointless to even make an attempt.”  

In this short essay, Co lists down a few ways in which we can maintain a positive attitude by keeping negative thoughts out of our minds. These include keeping a gratitude journal, keeping good company, being around animals, and looking for new hobbies. Co believes these activities help promote positivity so that we are not as affected when life gets challenging. You might also be interested in these essays about discipline .

“Our mind has sufficient bandwidth to focus on one thought at a time. All you must do is keep it attentive on inspiring thoughts until you achieve your goal or establish a new habit. After adopting a positive attitude, I have noticed amazing changes all around. I also have noticed a major boost in my confidence and I feel more capable of taking on new projects and challenges which might have formerly been outside my comfort zone.”

Shehzadi reflects on the importance of a positive attitude. She briefly goes over its benefits, like increased confidence and reduced stress. To develop a better attitude, surround yourself with positive people. From there, you can practice kindness, patience, and tolerance. As our attitude reflects itself in how we live, a positive attitude leads to a more productive life. Training your mind to be positive is an excellent investment for your well-being, both mentally and physically. 

“It’s human nature to express ourselves, sure, but I think adults underestimate the impact our ‘attitudes’ have on our own children and students. As we deal with the new variants, head back to school and face another uncertain school year, our attitudes are going to shape the experiences of our students. Why not make a concerted, intentional effort to be the one place where your students can let their guard down and take a break from the attitudes that are everywhere?”

Chandler, an educator, discusses the importance of the right attitude in an environment with kids and the importance of setting a good example. She believes that an authentic, positive attitude helps students thrive, but she also stresses the importance of empathy. To her, the ideal attitude is positive, practical, humble, and empathetic. She wants adults to be more mindful of their attitude, especially in front of kids- they may have certain mannerisms or habits that children will quickly pick up on.

“Not everyone is going to be positive all the time. That’s an unrealistic idea. But even when people are down and at their most negative, there are things one can do to deal with those emotions and actions around the office to keep them from impacting others. Even if it’s just one co-worker causing an issue, take matters into your own hands for your own happiness at work.”

Post’s essay elaborates on the importance of having an attitude suited to your work. Like in Co’s essay, Post discusses certain things we can do to improve our attitude and make us more productive in the workplace. Most significantly, she says that simply saying “yes” more can help develop a better attitude. Even if we cannot always be positive, Post wants us to maximize the positivity in every situation, to look at it from a “glass half full” perspective.

Everyone talks about how the proper attitude helps you go far in life, but how does this work? In your essay, you can explore what makes attitude so vital. You can find examples where people have improved their attitude and attribute it to real-life benefits such as happiness or success. You can also check out these essays about character .

Many people often talk about fixing their attitude and getting out of bad habits. You can use the sample essays to decide which methods you can adopt to improve your attitude. Keep your selection short, simple, and meaningful. Do you think they could be successfully applied to anyone?

Would you say that a good attitude is as important as people say it is? And does a bad attitude indeed dictates one’s fortune or misfortune? Based on research and your own beliefs, decide on your position and provide evidence to support your argument.

Write about something as simple as the effects of your attitude on your life. How does your outlook on life affect you? Do you feel that your attitude is helping you live your life well? Do you think there is anything that you can change to optimize your daily life? Try and provide examples of when a different attitude may have produced a different outcome in a scenario.

Often people are told they have a bad attitude and are misjudged for it. However, is their attitude a true reflection of their character or simply masking a hidden agenda? Think of examples when people may be misjudged by their attitude, or perhaps their behavior was misconstrued, and discuss how difficult it is to remedy this after the event. There are numerous examples of this in literature that you can reference. If you cannot think of a real-life example pick one from an appropriate piece and discuss the character’s attitude, and others’ perceptions of them.

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

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Attitude: A Key to Personal Growth and Success

This blog post explores the concept of attitude and its significant role in personal growth and success. It provides a comprehensive understanding of attitude, its impact on various aspects of life, and practical strategies to develop a positive attitude. The post is written in a simple and engaging language, ensuring accessibility to readers of all backgrounds. This article aims to provide valuable insights into the power of attitude.

What is Attitude?

Table of Contents

Attitude refers to a person’s overall outlook, mindset, or disposition towards themselves, others, and various aspects of life. It encompasses a set of beliefs, values, emotions, and behavioral tendencies that shape how individuals perceive and respond to situations. Attitudes are influenced by experiences, upbringing, culture, and personal beliefs. They can be positive, negative, or neutral, and they greatly influence one’s thoughts, actions, and interactions with the world.

The Importance of Attitude

Attitude plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s personal growth and success. It acts as a driving force that determines the way people approach challenges, relationships, and opportunities. A positive attitude fosters resilience, optimism, and a proactive mindset, enabling individuals to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and maintain motivation in pursuit of their goals. On the other hand, a negative attitude hinders progress, creates self-doubt, and limits one’s potential.

How Attitude Affects Success

Attitude has a significant impact on an individual’s level of success in various aspects of life, including career, relationships, and personal well-being. A positive attitude enhances performance, productivity, and creativity, leading to career advancement and professional success. It also strengthens relationships by fostering empathy, effective communication, and collaboration. Furthermore, a positive attitude contributes to overall well-being, promoting mental and emotional resilience, reducing stress, and improving overall quality of life.

Cultivating a Positive Attitude

Developing and maintaining a positive attitude is a continuous process that requires self-awareness, intentional effort, and a willingness to embrace change. Cultivating a positive attitude involves several key factors:

• Self-reflection: Taking time to reflect on one’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs helps identify negative attitudes and limiting beliefs that may hinder personal growth. By recognizing these patterns, individuals can consciously work towards replacing them with positive alternatives.
• Mindset shift: Adopting a growth mindset, which is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning, is essential for cultivating a positive attitude. Embracing challenges, learning from failures, and seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth contribute to a positive mindset.
• Gratitude practice: Cultivating gratitude involves consciously acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life. Regularly expressing gratitude for small blessings and achievements promotes a positive outlook and enhances overall well-being.
• Surrounding oneself with positivity: Surrounding oneself with positive influences, such as supportive friends, mentors, and inspirational materials, helps reinforce a positive attitude. Limiting exposure to negative environments and individuals can also contribute to maintaining a positive mindset.

By consciously cultivating a positive attitude, individuals can unlock their potential, enhance their personal growth, and increase their chances of achieving success in various areas of life.

Attitude and Personal Growth

• Self-Reflection and Awareness

Self-reflection and awareness are essential components of personal growth. By examining our attitudes and beliefs, we can identify areas that may be holding us back and work towards positive change. Here are four key points to consider:

• Recognizing Negative Attitudes:

Negative attitudes can hinder personal growth and limit our potential. By becoming aware of negative attitudes such as self-doubt, pessimism, or cynicism, we can take steps to replace them with more positive and empowering perspectives.

• Identifying Limiting Beliefs:

Limiting beliefs are deeply ingrained thoughts or beliefs that hold us back from reaching our full potential. They often stem from past experiences or societal conditioning. Recognizing and challenging these beliefs allows us to break free from self-imposed limitations and embrace new possibilities.

• Understanding the Power of Self-Talk:

Our self-talk, the inner dialogue we have with ourselves, greatly influences our attitude and mindset. Positive self-talk involves using supportive and encouraging language, while negative self-talk can be self-defeating and demotivating. By consciously shifting our self-talk to be more positive and empowering, we can cultivate a resilient and growth-oriented mindset.

• Embracing a Growth Mindset:

A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Embracing a growth mindset allows us to view challenges as opportunities for growth, persist in the face of setbacks, and embrace continuous learning. By adopting this mindset, we can overcome obstacles and unlock our full potential.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence refers to our ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and effectively navigate our interactions with others. Developing emotional intelligence contributes to personal growth in the following ways:

• Managing Emotions Effectively:

Emotional intelligence involves being aware of our emotions and effectively managing them. By developing strategies to regulate our emotions, such as deep breathing, journaling, or engaging in activities that bring us joy, we can enhance our emotional well-being and create a positive attitude towards life.

• Practising Empathy and Understanding:

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By cultivating empathy, we develop stronger connections with others, improve our communication skills, and foster a positive and supportive attitude towards those around us.

• Building Resilience and Adaptability:

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and adapt to change. By cultivating resilience, we develop a positive attitude towards challenges, view them as opportunities for growth, and bounce back stronger when faced with setbacks.

• Cultivating Emotional Balance:

Emotional balance involves finding a state of equilibrium where we can effectively manage our emotions without being overwhelmed. By developing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and self-care practices, we can cultivate emotional balance, leading to a more positive and balanced attitude towards ourselves and others.

Setting and Pursuing Goals

Setting and pursuing goals provides direction and purpose to our personal growth journey. Here are four points to consider when it comes to goal-setting:

• Harnessing the Power of Visualization:

Visualization is a powerful technique that involves creating vivid mental images of our desired outcomes. By visualizing our goals as already achieved, we activate the subconscious mind and enhance our motivation and belief in our ability to achieve them, fostering a positive attitude towards goal attainment.

• Creating SMART Goals:

SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Setting SMART goals ensures clarity and focus, allowing us to break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. This approach fosters a sense of achievement, enhances motivation, and encourages a positive attitude towards goal pursuit.

• Fostering Perseverance and Determination:

Personal growth requires perseverance and determination to overcome obstacles and stay committed to our goals. Cultivating a positive attitude towards perseverance involves embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, maintaining focus and determination during difficult times, and staying resilient in the face of setbacks.

• Celebrating Milestones and Achievements:

Celebrating milestones and achievements along the way is crucial for maintaining a positive attitude towards goal pursuit. By acknowledging and celebrating our progress, we reinforce a sense of accomplishment and motivation, which fuels our ongoing personal growth journey.

Continuous Learning and Personal Development

Personal growth is a lifelong journey that requires a commitment to continuous learning and personal development. Here are four points to consider in this aspect:

• Embracing a Curious and Open Mind:

Adopting a curious and open mindset involves being receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. By embracing a mindset of lifelong learning, we expand our horizons, stay adaptable, and foster a positive attitude towards personal growth.

• Seeking Opportunities for Growth:

Actively seeking opportunities for growth allows us to broaden our knowledge, acquire new skills, and challenge ourselves. By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new experiences, we cultivate a positive attitude towards personal development and unlock our potential.

• Embracing Failure as a Learning Experience:

Failure is an inevitable part of the personal growth journey. By reframing failure as a valuable learning experience rather than a reflection of our worth, we develop a resilient attitude and embrace the lessons it offers. Viewing failure as an opportunity for growth allows us to bounce back stronger and continue progressing.

• Expanding Knowledge and Skills:

Personal growth involves expanding our knowledge and acquiring new skills. This can be achieved through various means, such as reading books, taking courses, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship. By continuously expanding our knowledge and skills, we enhance our personal growth trajectory and maintain a positive attitude towards self-improvement.

In conclusion, personal growth is greatly influenced by our attitude. By engaging in self-reflection and awareness, developing emotional intelligence, setting and pursuing goals, and committing to continuous learning and personal development, we can cultivate a positive attitude that fuels our personal growth journey. Remember, personal growth is a lifelong process, and maintaining a positive attitude is key to unlocking our full potential and achieving success in various aspects of life.

Attitude and Success in Relationships

Effective communication and active listening.

• Expressing Yourself Clearly and Respectfully:

In successful relationships, effective communication is key. It involves expressing yourself clearly and respectfully, ensuring that your thoughts, feelings, and opinions are conveyed in a way that promotes understanding and avoids misunderstandings. Clear communication helps build trust and fosters a healthy exchange of ideas.

• Practicing Nonverbal Communication:

Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in relationships. It involves using body language, facial expressions, and gestures to convey emotions and messages. Paying attention to nonverbal cues from others and being aware of your own body language enhances communication and understanding.

• Being Present and Engaged:

To establish meaningful connections, it is important to be present and fully engaged when interacting with others. This means giving your undivided attention, actively listening, and showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying. Being present helps create a sense of connection and makes the other person feel valued.

• Fostering Healthy and Supportive Relationships:

A positive attitude in relationships involves fostering healthy and supportive dynamics. This includes being supportive of the other person’s goals and aspirations, offering encouragement and reassurance, and being a reliable source of emotional support. Building a foundation of trust, respect, and empathy contributes to the overall success and well-being of the relationship.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Valuing Diversity and Inclusion:

Embracing diversity and inclusion is essential for successful collaboration and teamwork. Valuing different perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas fosters creativity and innovation. It also promotes a sense of belonging and encourages individuals to contribute their unique strengths to achieve common goals.

• Building Trust and Cooperation:

Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship. Building trust involves being reliable, honest, and maintaining confidentiality. Trust encourages open communication and cooperation, enabling individuals to work together effectively as a team.

• Resolving Conflict Constructively:

Conflict is inevitable in relationships, but how it is handled can determine the success of the relationship. A positive attitude towards conflict involves addressing issues openly and constructively, actively listening to each other’s viewpoints, and seeking mutually beneficial resolutions. Conflict resolution skills help maintain healthy and harmonious relationships.

• Encouraging Shared Accountability:

Successful relationships involve shared accountability, where each individual takes responsibility for their actions and contributions to the relationship. Encouraging shared accountability means holding oneself and others responsible for their commitments, promoting fairness and mutual respect.

Building and Maintaining a Positive Network

• Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences:

The people we surround ourselves with greatly impact our attitude and overall well-being. Building a positive network involves seeking out individuals who inspire, motivate, and uplift us. Being in the company of positive influences fosters a positive attitude and helps us maintain focus on personal growth and success.

• Nurturing Meaningful Connections:

Meaningful connections are built through genuine interactions and shared experiences. Nurturing these connections involves investing time and effort in building and maintaining relationships with individuals who share similar values and goals. Meaningful connections provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Seeking Mentorship and Support:

Mentors play a crucial role in personal and professional development. Seeking mentorship involves finding individuals who possess the knowledge and experience to guide and inspire us. A positive attitude towards mentorship means being open to learning, seeking guidance, and embracing feedback to enhance personal growth and success.

• Contributing to the Community:

A positive attitude extends beyond individual relationships to include the community at large. Contributing to the community involves actively participating in activities and initiatives that promote the well-being and development of others. Giving back not only benefits the community but also enriches one’s own life by fostering a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Practising Empathy and Understanding

• Cultivating Compassion and Empathy:

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Cultivating empathy involves actively putting oneself in another person’s shoes, listening with an open mind, and responding with compassion. Empathy strengthens relationships by fostering understanding, connection, and support.

• Embracing Different Perspectives:

A positive attitude in relationships requires embracing different perspectives. Recognizing that everyone has unique experiences and viewpoints allows for greater understanding and appreciation of diversity. Embracing different perspectives encourages open-mindedness, encourages learning, and promotes respectful dialogue.

• Respecting Boundaries and Differences:

Respecting boundaries and differences is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. It involves acknowledging and honoring individual preferences, personal space, and privacy. Respecting differences in opinions, values, and lifestyles cultivates an atmosphere of acceptance and mutual respect.

• Building Stronger Connections:

A positive attitude towards relationships focuses on building stronger connections with others. This can be achieved by actively engaging in meaningful conversations, showing genuine interest in others’ lives, and investing time and effort into nurturing the relationship. Building stronger connections enhances trust, fosters deeper understanding, and promotes long-lasting bonds.

In conclusion, a positive attitude plays a pivotal role in achieving success in relationships. Effective communication, active listening, collaboration, and teamwork contribute to building healthy and supportive connections. By valuing diversity, fostering trust, and resolving conflicts constructively, relationships can thrive. Additionally, surrounding oneself with positive influences, nurturing meaningful connections, seeking mentorship, and practicing empathy help create a strong and supportive network. By cultivating a positive attitude in relationships and embracing understanding, respect, and compassion, individuals can build fulfilling and successful connections with others.

Attitude and Well-being

Cultivating gratitude and appreciation.

• Recognizing the Power of Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life. It involves recognizing the blessings, opportunities, and kindness received from others. By understanding the power of gratitude, individuals can shift their focus towards positivity and improve their overall well-being.

• Practising Daily Gratitude Exercises

Engaging in daily gratitude exercises can help foster a positive attitude. This can be done by keeping a gratitude journal and writing down three things one is grateful for each day. This practice promotes a mindset of abundance and encourages individuals to notice the small joys in life.

• Countering Negativity with Appreciation

When faced with negative situations or challenges, it is important to counterbalance them with appreciation. By consciously focusing on the positive aspects of a situation, individuals can reframe their mindset and reduce the impact of negativity on their well-being.

• Cultivating a Positive Outlook on Life

Cultivating a positive outlook involves developing an optimistic mindset and expecting favorable outcomes. By nurturing a positive attitude, individuals can navigate through life’s ups and downs with resilience and find joy even in difficult circumstances.

Managing Stress and Adversity

• Developing Coping Strategies

Developing effective coping strategies is crucial for managing stress and adversity. These strategies may include deep breathing exercises, practising mindfulness, engaging in hobbies, or seeking support from others. By adopting healthy coping mechanisms, individuals can reduce the negative impact of stress on their well-being.

• Prioritizing Self-Care and Relaxation

Self-care plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being. It involves prioritizing activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation, such as taking breaks, engaging in hobbies, practicing self-compassion, and ensuring sufficient rest. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can replenish their energy and better cope with challenges.

• Building a Supportive Network

Having a supportive network of friends, family, or mentors is essential for well-being. These individuals provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement during difficult times. Building and nurturing such relationships can contribute significantly to managing stress and promoting overall well-being.

• Embracing a Resilient Mindset

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to challenging situations. Embracing a resilient mindset involves cultivating optimism, practicing self-reflection, and learning from adversity. By developing resilience, individuals can navigate through difficult times with strength and maintain their overall well-being.

Promoting Self-Belief and Confidence

• Challenging Self-Doubt and Limiting Beliefs

Self-doubt and limiting beliefs can hinder personal growth and well-being. It is essential to challenge these negative thoughts and replace them with empowering beliefs. By recognizing one’s strengths and capabilities, individuals can build self-belief and increase their confidence.

• Celebrating Personal Achievements and Strengths

Acknowledging and celebrating personal achievements and strengths is crucial for cultivating a positive attitude. By recognizing one’s accomplishments, individuals boost their self-esteem and foster a sense of pride and confidence in their abilities.

• Practicing Self-Compassion and Self-Affirmation

Practicing self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. This includes being patient with oneself during challenging times and practicing self-care. Self-affirmation involves intentionally affirming positive qualities and abilities, reinforcing a positive self-image.

• Embracing Positive Affirmations and Visualization Techniques

Positive affirmations and visualization techniques can help rewire the mind for positivity and success. By repeating positive statements and visualizing desired outcomes, individuals can strengthen their self-belief and improve their confidence in their abilities. Positive affirmations can be used daily to reinforce positive self-talk and cultivate a resilient attitude. Visualization techniques involve mentally picturing oneself achieving goals and experiencing success, which helps build confidence and motivation.

Cultivating a Healthy Lifestyle

• Prioritizing Physical Exercise and Activity

Engaging in regular physical exercise and activity is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters, and helps reduce stress. Finding activities that one enjoys, such as walking, dancing, or yoga, can make exercise a fun and fulfilling part of daily life.

• Nourishing the Body with Balanced Nutrition

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the necessary nutrients for optimal physical and mental function. Eating mindfully and staying hydrated are also important aspects of nourishing the body.

• Getting Sufficient Rest and Sleep

Sleep is vital for restoring and rejuvenating both the body and mind. It is essential to prioritize sufficient sleep and establish a consistent sleep routine. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding electronic devices before bed, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment can promote restful sleep and improve overall well-being.

• Engaging in Stress-Relieving Activities

Actively engaging in stress-relieving activities can significantly impact well-being. This may include practices such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, or practicing mindfulness. These activities help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm and balance in daily life.

In conclusion, attitude and well-being are closely interconnected. By cultivating gratitude, managing stress, promoting self-belief, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, individuals can enhance their overall well-being. Adopting a positive attitude and incorporating these strategies into daily life can contribute to personal growth, resilience, and success. Remember, small changes in attitude and lifestyle can have a significant impact

Strategies to Develop a Positive Attitude

Mindfulness and self-awareness.

• Practicing Mindful Meditation:

Mindful meditation involves focusing your attention on the present moment, without judgment or attachment to thoughts or emotions. It helps cultivate awareness of your thoughts and feelings, promoting a positive mindset. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice mindful meditation, allowing yourself to observe your thoughts and let them pass without getting caught up in them.

• Paying Attention to the Present Moment:

Being fully present in the moment allows you to appreciate the beauty and opportunities around you. Practice mindfulness in everyday activities like eating, walking, or engaging in conversations. By focusing on the present, you can let go of worries about the past or future, fostering a positive attitude.

• Cultivating Self-Awareness and Reflection:

Developing self-awareness involves recognizing your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns. Take time to reflect on your actions, beliefs, and attitudes. Consider journaling or engaging in introspective exercises to gain deeper insights into your mindset. Self-awareness helps identify negative patterns and allows you to make conscious choices to change them.

• Embracing Mindful Living in Everyday Life:

Extend the practice of mindfulness beyond meditation. Embrace mindful living by bringing awareness to your actions, interactions, and choices throughout the day. Practice gratitude, savor small moments of joy, and approach challenges with a calm and focused mindset. By living mindfully, you can nurture a positive attitude in all aspects of life.

Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations

• Identifying Negative Self-Talk Patterns:

Pay attention to your inner dialogue and become aware of any negative self-talk. Negative self-talk often involves self-criticism, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs. Recognize these patterns by actively listening to your thoughts and identifying negative or self-defeating statements.

• Replacing Negative Thoughts with Positive Affirmations:

Challenge negative thoughts by replacing them with positive affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that reinforce desirable beliefs and attitudes. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” replace it with “I am capable and resilient.” Repeat these affirmations regularly, either silently or out loud, to rewire your thought patterns.

• Using Visualization Techniques for Positive Reinforcement:

Visualization involves creating vivid mental images of desired outcomes or positive experiences. Visualize yourself successfully achieving your goals, overcoming challenges, or embodying the attitudes and qualities you want to develop. Engage your senses, imagine the details, and evoke positive emotions associated with these visualizations.

• Creating a Supportive Inner Dialogue:

Foster a supportive inner dialogue by treating yourself with kindness, compassion, and encouragement. Imagine speaking to yourself as you would to a close friend or loved one. Replace self-criticism with words of understanding, motivation, and self-compassion. This shift in self-talk promotes a positive attitude and builds self-belief.

Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences

• Choosing Positive and Supportive Relationships:

Evaluate the people you surround yourself with and their impact on your attitude. Seek out individuals who uplift and inspire you, who share your values and goals. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive relationships fosters an environment that nurtures optimism and personal growth.

• Limiting Exposure to Negative Environments:

Be mindful of the environments you spend time in, both physically and virtually. Minimize exposure to negative influences such as toxic relationships, pessimistic media, or environments that drain your energy and positivity. Create boundaries and prioritize spaces that promote positivity and well-being.

• Seeking Inspiration from Role Models and Mentors:

Identify role models or mentors who embody the attitudes and qualities you aspire to develop. Learn from their experiences and seek their guidance and support. Engage with their wisdom through books, podcasts, or personal interactions. Surrounding yourself with positive role models and mentors can provide inspiration and encouragement on your journey towards a positive attitude.

• Engaging in Positive and Uplifting Activities:

Participate in activities that promote positivity, joy, and personal growth. Engage in hobbies, sports, or creative outlets that bring you happiness and fulfillment. Seek out uplifting events, workshops, or communities that share your interests and values. By immersing yourself in positive activities, you create a conducive environment for developing and maintaining a positive attitude.

Continuous Personal Growth and Learning

• Pursuing Lifelong Learning Opportunities:

Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth. Stay curious and open-minded, seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Enroll in courses, workshops, or online programs that align with your interests and personal development goals. By investing in your learning journey, you foster a positive attitude through the acquisition of new knowledge and experiences.

• Reading Inspirational Books and Articles:

Read books and articles that inspire and uplift you. Explore self-help literature, biographies of successful individuals, or motivational content that resonates with you. These resources offer insights, strategies, and stories that can positively influence your attitude and outlook on life.

• Attending Workshops and Seminars:

Participate in workshops and seminars focused on personal growth and development. These events provide opportunities to learn from experts, engage in transformative exercises, and connect with like-minded individuals. By actively engaging in such experiences, you broaden your perspectives and gain valuable tools to cultivate a positive attitude.

• Seeking Feedback and Constructive Criticism:

Be open to receiving feedback and constructive criticism from trusted sources. Feedback provides valuable insights into areas for improvement and growth. Approach feedback with a growth mindset, recognizing it as an opportunity for self-reflection and learning. By continuously seeking feedback, you can refine your attitude and adapt your behavior to foster personal and professional development.

Incorporating these strategies into your life can help you develop and maintain a positive attitude. Remember that attitude is a choice and a practice that requires consistent effort. By cultivating mindfulness, practicing positive self-talk, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and investing in continuous personal growth, you can nurture a positive attitude that empowers you to navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and live a more fulfilling and successful life.

Throughout this blog post, we have explored the concept of attitude and its immense importance in personal growth and success. Attitude refers to the mindset, perspective, and disposition we adopt towards life and its challenges. It is a driving force that influences our thoughts, emotions, and actions. A positive attitude can propel us towards achieving our goals, while a negative attitude can hinder our progress and limit our potential.

The Power of a Positive Attitude

A positive attitude has transformative power. It allows us to approach life with optimism, resilience, and a solution-oriented mindset. By cultivating a positive attitude, we can overcome obstacles, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and maintain a sense of hope even in difficult circumstances. A positive attitude fuels motivation, creativity, and perseverance, enabling us to navigate setbacks and achieve success.

Implementing Attitude Changes in Daily Life

Changing our attitude requires conscious effort and dedication. Here are some practical ways to implement attitude changes in our daily lives:

• Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your current attitudes and beliefs. Identify any negative or limiting attitudes that may be holding you back.
• Mindful awareness: Develop self-awareness by practicing mindfulness. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and reactions, and consciously choose to shift negative patterns towards more positive and constructive ones.
• Positive self-talk: Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations and encouraging statements. Remind yourself of your strengths, achievements, and potential.
• Surround yourself with positivity: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Seek out positive influences in your relationships, social circles, and media consumption. Limit exposure to negativity and toxic environments.

Unlocking Personal Growth and Success

By cultivating a positive attitude, we unlock the door to personal growth and success. A positive attitude enables us to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and persist in the face of adversity. It strengthens our relationships, enhances our communication skills, and fosters collaboration and teamwork. Moreover, a positive attitude contributes to overall well-being, promoting mental and emotional resilience, and improving physical health.

Remember that developing a positive attitude is an ongoing process. It requires consistent practice, self-reflection, and the willingness to adapt and grow. Embrace the power of a positive attitude, and watch as it transforms your life, empowering you to reach new heights and achieve your dreams.

In conclusion, attitude is not merely a fleeting emotion but a fundamental aspect of our being. It shapes our perceptions, choices, and actions, ultimately determining our personal growth and success. By harnessing the power of a positive attitude, we can unlock our full potential, overcome obstacles, and lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. Let your attitude be a beacon of light that guides you towards a brighter future.

Difficult Scientific Term: Emotional Intelligence

Simple Meaning: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and effectively navigate and respond to the emotions of others. It involves being aware of our feelings, empathizing with others, and using emotional information to guide our thoughts and actions. Developing emotional intelligence helps improve communication, build stronger relationships, and enhance overall well-being.

Last worded from Author

Developing and maintaining a positive attitude can be a transformative force in our lives. It empowers us to overcome obstacles, foster meaningful relationships, and achieve personal growth and success. By embracing strategies such as self-reflection, emotional intelligence, goal-setting, and continuous learning, we can cultivate a positive attitude and unlock our full potential. Let us remember that our attitude is within our control, and by choosing positivity and optimism, we pave the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future. So, let’s embrace the power of attitude and embark on a journey of personal growth and success.

Attitude refers to a person’s mental and emotional outlook, their overall perspective or mindset towards people, situations, or events. It involves a set of beliefs, feelings, and behaviors that shape one’s responses and interactions with the world.

Attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences and outcomes in life. It influences our approach to challenges, our relationships with others, and our overall well-being. A positive attitude can lead to personal growth, resilience, and success, while a negative attitude can hinder progress and limit opportunities.

Absolutely. Attitude significantly impacts our level of success in various areas of life. A positive attitude fosters determination, motivation, and a solution-oriented mindset, all of which contribute to achieving goals and overcoming obstacles. Conversely, a negative attitude can hinder progress, create self-doubt, and limit opportunities for success.

Developing a positive attitude requires conscious effort and practice. Start by cultivating self-awareness and challenging negative thought patterns. Surround yourself with positive influences, engage in activities that uplift you, and practice gratitude and mindfulness. Embrace personal growth, set achievable goals, and maintain a resilient mindset. Remember, developing a positive attitude is a continuous journey.

Yes, attitude significantly impacts relationships. A positive attitude promotes open communication, empathy, and understanding, leading to healthier and more fulfilling connections. On the other hand, a negative attitude can breed resentment, conflict, and misunderstandings, straining relationships and hindering meaningful connections.

Attitude plays a crucial role in personal growth. A positive attitude encourages self-reflection, resilience, and a growth mindset, enabling individuals to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and continuously improve themselves. By maintaining a positive attitude, individuals can foster personal development, expand their capabilities, and reach their full potential.

Absolutely. Attitude directly influences our overall well-being. A positive attitude promotes better mental health, reduces stress, and enhances overall life satisfaction. It contributes to resilience, optimism, and a sense of purpose. Conversely, a negative attitude can contribute to anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of well-being.

Changing one’s attitude starts with self-awareness and a genuine desire for change. Identify any negative thought patterns or limiting beliefs and challenge them. Surround yourself with positive influences, practice affirmations, and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Seek support from mentors, therapists, or support groups if needed. Remember, changing your attitude is a process that requires patience and consistent effort.

Yes, attitude can be contagious. When we interact with others, our attitude can influence their mood, mindset, and overall outlook. A positive attitude can uplift and inspire those around us, creating a positive and supportive environment. Similarly, a negative attitude can spread negativity and hinder collective progress. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of the impact our attitude has on others.

While external circumstances can influence our attitude to some extent, it’s important to recognize that attitude is primarily a matter of personal choice and perspective. We have the power to choose how we respond to challenges, setbacks, and situations beyond our control. By cultivating a positive attitude, we can navigate through adversity with resilience, maintain an optimistic outlook, and find opportunities for growth and success.

(1) What is Attitude? – Goseeko blog. https://www.goseeko.com/blog/what-is-attitude/ .

(2) What Is Attitude? Definition, Components, Types, & Its Formation – Tyonote. https://tyonote.com/attitude/ .

(3) Module 5: Attitudes – Principles of Social Psychology – Open Text WSU. https://opentext.wsu.edu/social-psychology/chapter/module-5-attitudes/ .

(4) Positive Mindset: How to Develop a Positive Mental Attitude. https://positivepsychology.com/positive-mindset/ .

(5) What Is Attitude? Definition, Types, Components … – Geektonight. https://www.geektonight.com/what-is-attitude-meaning-functions-types-importance-components/

• What is Difference Between Ego And Attitude?
• Attitude vs. Gratitude: Understanding the Power of Positive Thinking
• The Relationship Between Attitudes and Behavior: Explained in Detail

DR. ASHUTOSH TRIPATHI

Greetings, I am Dr. Ashutosh Tripathi, a psychologist with extensive expertise in criminal behavior and its impact on psychological well-being. I hold a Master of Physics (Honors), a Master of Philosophy, a Master of Psychology, and a PhD in Psychology from BHU in India. Over the past 13 years, I have been privileged to serve more than 3200 patients with unique and varied psychological needs. My clinical work is guided by a deep passion for helping individuals navigate complex psychological issues and live more fulfilling lives. As a recognized contributor to the field of psychology, my articles have been published in esteemed Indian news forums, such as The Hindu, The Times of India, and Punjab Kesari. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been honored by the Government of Israel for my contributions to the Psychological Assistance Program. I remain committed to advancing our understanding of psychology and its applications through my ongoing research, which can be found on leading online libraries such as Science Direct, Wiley, Elsevier, Orcid, Google Scholar, and loop Frontiers. I am also an active contributor to Quora, where I share my insights on various psychological issues. Overall, I see myself as a lifelong student of psychology, constantly learning and growing from my patients, colleagues, and peers. I consider it a great privilege to have the opportunity to serve others in this field and to contribute to our collective understanding of the human mind and behavior.

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The Power of Positive Thinking

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What Is Positive Thinking?

• Benefits of Positive Thinking

How to Practice Positive Thinking

Potential pitfalls of positive thinking, frequently asked questions.

Do you tend to see the glass as half empty or half full? You have probably heard that question plenty of times. Your answer relates directly to the concept of positive thinking and whether you have a positive or negative outlook on life. Positive thinking plays an important role in positive psychology , a subfield devoted to the study of what makes people happy and fulfilled.

Research has found that positive thinking can aid in stress management and even plays an important role in your overall health and well-being. It can help combat feelings of low self-esteem, improve physical health, and help brighten your overall outlook on life.

This article discusses what positive thinking is and the health benefits of being positive. It also explores some of the strategies you can use to become a more positive thinker.

Positive thinking means approaching life's challenges with a positive outlook. It doesn't mean seeing the world through rose-colored lenses by ignoring or glossing over the negative aspects of life.

Positive thinking does not necessarily mean avoiding difficult situations. Instead, positive thinking means making the most of potential obstacles, trying to see the best in other people, and viewing yourself and your abilities in a positive light.

Some researchers, including positive psychologist Martin Seligman , frame positive thinking in terms of explanatory style. Your explanatory style is how you explain why events happened.

• Optimistic explanatory style : People with an optimistic explanatory style tend to give themselves credit when good things happen and typically blame outside forces for bad outcomes. They also tend to see negative events as temporary and atypical.
• Pessimistic explanatory style : People with a pessimistic explanatory style often blame themselves when bad things happen, but fail to give themselves adequate credit for successful outcomes. They also have a tendency to view negative events as expected and lasting. As you can imagine, blaming yourself for events outside of your control or viewing these unfortunate events as a persistent part of your life can have a detrimental impact on your state of mind.

Positive thinkers are more apt to use an optimistic explanatory style, but the way in which people attribute events can also vary depending upon the exact situation. For example, a person who is generally a positive thinker might use a more pessimistic explanatory style in particularly challenging situations, such as at work or at school.

While there are many factors that determine whether a person has a positive outlook, the way that they explain the events of their life, known as their explanatory style, plays an important role.

Positive Psychology vs. Positive Thinking

While the terms "positive thinking" and "positive psychology" are sometimes used interchangeably, it is important to understand that they are not the same thing. Positive thinking is about looking at things from a positive point of view. It is a type of thinking that focuses on maintaining a positive, optimistic attitude. Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that studies the effects of optimism, what causes it, and when it is best utilized.

Health Benefits of Positive Thinking

In recent years, the so-called "power of positive thinking" has gained a great deal of attention thanks to self-help books such as "The Secret." While these pop-psychology books often tout positive thinking or philosophies like the law of attraction as a sort of psychological panacea, empirical research has found that there are many very real health benefits linked to positive thinking and optimistic attitudes.

Positive thinking is linked to a wide range of health benefits, including:

• Better stress management and coping skills
• Enhanced psychological health
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Increased physical well-being
• Longer life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease-related death

One study of 1,558 older adults found that positive thinking could also reduce frailty during old age.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Aging Research found that having a positive mental attitude was linked to decreased mortality over a 35-year period. People who had a more positive outlook were also more likely to get regular physical exercise, avoid smoking, eat a healthier diet, and get more quality sleep.

Clearly, there are many benefits of positive thinking . But why, exactly, does positive thinking have such a strong impact on physical and mental health ?

One theory is that people who think positively tend to be less affected by stress. Research suggests that having more positive automatic thoughts helps people become more resilient in the face of life's stressful events. People who had high levels of positive thinking were more likely to walk away from stressful life events with a higher sense of the meaningfulness of life.

Another possibility is that people who think positively tend to live healthier lives in general; they may exercise more, follow a more nutritious diet, and avoid unhealthy behaviors.

While you might be more prone to negative thinking, there are strategies that you can use to become a more positive thinker. Practicing these strategies regularly can help you get in the habit of maintaining a more positive outlook on life.

• Notice your thoughts : Start paying attention to the type of thoughts you have each day. If you notice that many of them are negative, make a conscious effort to reframe how you are thinking in a more positive way.
• Write in a gratitude journal : Practicing gratitude can have a range of positive benefits and it can help you learn to develop a better outlook. Experiencing grateful thoughts helps people to feel more optimistic.
• Use positive self-talk : How you talk to yourself can play an important role in shaping your outlook. Studies have shown that shifting to more positive self-talk can have a positive impact on your emotions and how you respond to stress.

While there are many benefits to thinking positively, there are actually times when more realistic thinking is more advantageous. For example, in some situations, negative thinking can actually lead to more accurate decisions and outcomes.

Some research has found that negative thinking and moods can actually help people make better, more accurate judgments.

However, research suggests that realistic optimism might be the ideal. The results of a 2020 study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin revealed that people who have mistaken expectations, whether those expectations are optimistic or pessimistic, tend to fare worse in terms of mental health when compared to realists.  

The authors of the study suggest that the disappointment that optimists experience when their high hopes are not realized can have a negative impact on well-being. This doesn't mean that people should strive to be pessimistic thinkers. since studies indicate that people with a negative outlook tend to fare the worst. Instead, having a generally positive outlook that is focused on realistic expectations may be the best approach. 

In some cases, inappropriately applied positive thinking can cross the line into what is known as toxic positivity . This involves insisting on maintaining a positive mindset no matter how upsetting, dire, or damaging a situation might be. This type of excessive positivity can impede authentic communication and cause people to experience feelings of shame or guilt if they struggle to maintain such an overly positive outlook.

Positive thinking can have pitfalls at times. While it is important to have an overall positive outlook, unrealistically high expectations can lead to disappointment. Being unable to accept any negative emotions, known as toxic positivity, can also have a negative effect on mental well-being.

A Word From Verywell

Even if you are not a natural-born optimist, there are things you can do to learn how to think more positively and become a positive thinker . One of the first steps is to focus on your own inner monologue and to pay attention to your self-talk.

Strategies that can improve your positive thinking include noticing your thoughts and making a conscious effort to shift from negative thoughts to more positive one. Practicing positive self-talk and practicing gratitude can also be helpful ways to start having a more positive outlook.

Positive thinking is important because it can have a beneficial impact on both physical and mental well-being. People who maintain a more positive outlook on life cope better with stress, have better immunity, and have a lower risk of premature death. Positive thinking also helps promote greater feelings of happiness and overall satisfaction with life.

Positive thinking has been shown to help people live healthier, happier lives. When they have a positive outlook, they are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as exercising, eating healthy, and getting plenty of rest. Downsides of positive thinking include the risk of forming overly high expectations that result in disappointment and being affected by toxic positivity.

Practicing mindfulness can be a way to build self-awareness and become more conscious of how your negative thoughts affect your moods and behaviors. As you become better at identifying negative thought patterns, you can then take steps to shift into a more positive mindset. Actively replacing negative thoughts with positive ones can help you eventually learn to become a more positive thinker.

Kim ES, Hagan KA, Grodstein F, DeMeo DL, De Vivo I, Kubzansky LD. Optimism and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study . Am J Epidemiol. 2017;185(1):21-29. doi:10.1093/aje/kww182

Seligman M.  Learned Optimism . Random House.

Chang E, Sanna L.  Virtue, Vice, And Personality: The Complexity of Behavior . American Psychological Association.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. The power of positive thinking .

Park N, Peterson C, Szvarca D, Vander Molen RJ, Kim ES, Collon K. Positive psychology and physical health: Research and applications . Am J Lifestyle Med . 2016;10(3):200-206. doi:10.1177/1559827614550277

Gale CR, Mõttus R, Deary IJ, Cooper C, Sayer AA. Personality and risk of frailty: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing . Ann Behav Med . 2017;51(1):128-136. doi:10.1007/s12160-016-9833-5

Paganini-Hill A, Kawas CH, Corrada MM. Positive mental attitude associated with lower 35-year mortality: The Leisure World Cohort Study .  J Aging Res . 2018;2018:2126368. doi:10.1155/2018/2126368

Boyraz G, Lightsey OR Jr. Can positive thinking help? Positive automatic thoughts as moderators of the stress-meaning relationship . Am J Orthopsychiatry . 2012;82(2):267-77. doi:10.1111/j.1939-0025.2012.01150.x

Kross E, Bruehlman-Senecal E, Park J, et al. Self-talk as a regulatory mechanism: how you do it matters . J Pers Soc Psychol . 2014;106(2):304-24. doi:10.1037/a0035173

Forgas JP. Don’t worry, be sad! On the cognitive, motivational, and interpersonal benefits of negative mood . Curr Dir Psychol Sci . 2013;22(3):225-232. doi:10.1177/0963721412474458

De Meza D, Dawson C. Neither an optimist nor a pessimist be: mistaken expectations lower well-being . Pers Soc Psychol Bull . 2021;47(4):540-550. doi:10.1177/0146167220934577

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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The Power of Positive Thinking

Here’s heartwarming news: People with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook.

That’s the finding from Johns Hopkins expert  Lisa R. Yanek, M.P.H. , and her colleagues. The finding held even in people with family history who had the most risk factors for coronary artery disease, and positive people from the general population were 13 percent less likely than their negative counterparts to have a heart attack or other coronary event.

Yanek and her team determined “positive” versus “negative” outlook using a survey tool that assesses a person’s cheerfulness, energy level, anxiety levels and satisfaction with health and overall life. But you don’t need a survey to assess your own positivity, says Yanek. “I think people tend to know how they are.”

Hope and Your Heart

The mechanism for the connection between health and positivity remains murky, but researchers suspect that people who are more positive may be better protected against the inflammatory damage of stress. Another possibility is that hope and positivity help people make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. Studies also find that negative emotions can weaken immune response.

What  is  clear, however, is that there is definitely a strong link between “positivity” and health. Additional studies have found that a positive attitude improves outcomes and life satisfaction across a spectrum of conditions—including traumatic brain injury,  stroke  and brain tumors.

Can You Boost Your Bright Side?

Although a positive personality is something we’re born with and not something we can inherently change, Yanek says, there are steps you can take to improve your outlook and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Simply smile more.

A University of Kansas study found that smiling—even fake smiling—reduces heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations. So try a few minutes of YouTube humor therapy when you’re stomping your feet waiting in line or fuming over a work or family situation. It’s difficult not to smile while watching a favorite funny video.

Practice reframing.

Instead of stressing about a traffic jam, for instance, appreciate the fact that you can afford a car and get to spend a few extra minutes listening to music or the news, accepting that there is absolutely nothing you can do about the traffic.

Build resiliency.

Resiliency is the ability to adapt to stressful and/or negative situations and losses. Experts recommend these key ways to build yours:

• Maintain good relationships with family and friends.
• Accept that change is a part of life.
• Take action on problems rather than just hoping they disappear or waiting for them to resolve themselves. 

Definitions

Cardiovascular (car-dee-oh-vas-cue-ler) disease : Problems of the heart or blood vessels, often caused by atherosclerosis—the build-up of fat deposits in artery walls—and by high blood pressure, which can weaken blood vessels, encourage atherosclerosis and make arteries stiff. Heart valve disorders, heart failure and off-beat heart rhythms (called arrhythmias) are also types of cardiovascular disease.

Immune response : How your immune system recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, toxins and other harmful substances. A response can include anything from coughing and sneezing to an increase in white blood cells, which attack foreign substances.

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Positive Mindset: How to Develop a Positive Mental Attitude

Positivity doesn’t always refer to simply smiling and looking cheerful, however—positivity is more about one’s overall perspective on life and their tendency to focus on all that is good in life.

In this piece, we’ll cover the basics of positivity within positive psychology, identify some of the many benefits of approaching life from a positive point of view, and explore some tips and techniques for cultivating a positive mindset.

This piece is a long one, so settle in and get comfortable. Let’s get started.

Before you read on, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises will explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology including strengths, values and self-compassion and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students or employees.

This Article Contains:

What is a positive mindset and attitude a definition, characteristics and traits of a positive mindset: 6 examples, a list of positive attitudes, why is a positive attitude considered the key to success, the outcomes of a positive attitude, 33 tips on how to have & keep a positive mindset in life and at work, helping students to develop a positive attitude towards learning and school, 46 activities and games to develop positive mindset skills (incl. group exercises), 10 worksheets for training a positive mindset (pdf), 32 quotes and affirmations on positive mindset/attitude, inspiring speeches and videos, recommended books, a take-home message.

You probably have an idea of what a positive mindset or positive attitude is already, but it’s always helpful to start with a definition.

This definition from Remez Sasson (n.d.) is a good general description:

“Positive thinking is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expects positive results.”

Another, more comprehensive definition comes from Kendra Cherry at Very Well Mind (2017B):

“[P]ositive thinking actually means approaching life’s challenges with a positive outlook. It does not necessarily mean avoiding or ignoring the bad things; instead, it involves making the most of the potentially bad situations, trying to see the best in other people, and viewing yourself and your abilities in a positive light.”

We can extrapolate from these definitions and come up with a good description of a positive mindset as the tendency to focus on the bright side, expect positive results, and approach challenges with a positive outlook.

Having a positive mindset means making positive thinking a habit, continually searching for the silver lining and making the best out of any situation you find yourself in.

So, now we know what a positive mindset is, we can dive into the next important question: What does it look like?

There are many traits and characteristics associated with a positive mindset, including:

• Optimism : a willingness to make an effort and take a chance instead of assuming your efforts won’t pay off.
• Acceptance : acknowledging that things don’t always turn out how you want them to, but learning from your mistakes.
• Resilience : bouncing back from adversity, disappointment, and failure instead of giving up.
• Gratitude : actively, continuously appreciating the good things in your life (Blank, 2017).
• Consciousness/Mindfulness : dedicating the mind to conscious awareness and enhancing the ability to focus.
• Integrity : the trait of being honorable, righteous, and straightforward, instead of deceitful and self-serving (Power of Positivity, n.d.).

Not only are these characteristics of a positive mindset, but they may also work in the other direction—actively adopting optimism, acceptance, resilience, gratitude, mindfulness, and integrity in your life will help you develop and maintain a positive mindset.

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If you found the list above still too vague, there are many more specific examples of a positive attitude in action.

For example, positive attitudes can include:

• It is looking adversity in the eye… and laughing.
• Getting what you get, and not pitching a fit.
• Enjoying the unexpected, even when it’s not what you wanted originally.
• Motivating those around you with a positive word.
• Using the power of a smile to reverse the tone of a situation.
• Being friendly to those you don’t know.
• It’s getting back up when you fall down. (No matter how many times you fall down.)
• Being a source of energy that lifts those around you.
• Understanding that relationships are more important than material things.
• Being happy even when you have little.
• Having a good time even when you are losing.
• Being happy for someone else’s success.
• Having a positive future vision, no matter how bad your current circumstances.
• Paying a compliment, even to a total stranger.
• Tell someone you know that they did a great job. (And mean it.)
• Making someone’s day. (Not just a child’s… adult’s like to have their day be special, too!)
• It’s not complaining no matter how unfair things appear to be. (It is a waste of time… instead, do something!)
• Not letting other people’s negativity bring you down.
• Giving more than you expect to get in return.
• Being true to yourself… always (Jarrow, 2012).

Now we know a little bit more about what a positive mindset looks like, we can turn to one of the biggest questions of all: What’s the deal with having a positive attitude?

What is it about having a positive mindset that is so important, so impactful, so life-changing?

Well, the traits and characteristics listed above give us a hint; if you comb through the literature, you’ll see a plethora of benefits linked to optimism, resilience, and mindfulness.

You’ll see that awareness and integrity are linked to better quality of life , and acceptance and gratitude can take you from the “okay life” to the “good life.”

The Importance of Developing the Right Thoughts

Developing a truly positive mindset and gaining these benefits is a function of the thoughts you cultivate.

Don’t worry—this piece isn’t about the kind of positive thinking that is all positive, all the time. We don’t claim that just “thinking happy thoughts” will bring you all the success you desire in life, and we certainly don’t believe that optimism is warranted in every situation, every minute of the day.

Developing the right thoughts is not about being constantly happy or cheerful, and it’s not about ignoring anything negative or unpleasant in your life. It’s about incorporating both the positive and negative into your perspective and choosing to still be generally optimistic.

It’s about acknowledging that you will not always be happy and learning to accept bad moods and difficult emotions when they come.

Above all, it’s about increasing your control over your own attitude in the face of whatever comes your way. You cannot control your mood , and you cannot always control the thoughts that pop into your head, but you can choose how you handle them.

When you choose to give in to the negativity, pessimism, and doom-and-gloom view of the world, you are not only submitting to a loss of control and potentially wallowing in unhappiness—you are missing out on an important opportunity for growth and development.

According to positive psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, negative thinking, and negative emotions have their place: they allow you to sharpen your focus on dangers, threats, and vulnerabilities. This is vital for survival, although perhaps not as much as it was for our ancestors.

On the other hand, positive thinking and positive emotions “ broaden and build ” our resources and skills, and open us up to possibilities (Fredrickson, 2004).

Building a positive framework for your thoughts is not about being bubbly and annoyingly cheerful, but making an investment in yourself and your future. It’s okay to feel down or think pessimistically sometimes, but choosing to respond with optimism, resilience, and gratitude will benefit you far more in the long run.

According to Seligman (2006), optimism can be cultivated by challenging the negative stories we create in our minds. This “learned optimism” can be beneficial to feel happier and healthier, to release stress, and to increase performance and motivation.

The ABC Model, originally developed by Albert Ellis and later adapted by Martin Seligman, is an approach to help us think more optimistically. This model can be used for yourself or with your clients. Often, this technique can be found in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the approach results in restructuring beliefs through self-awareness.

This technique can be used in daily life situations – An obstacle in your way reflects Adversity . The way you think about Adversity turns into your Beliefs , which impact how you react (Consequence). The Consequences are not inevitable since you can challenge the way you think about them (Seligman, 2006).

Seligman added the components “Disputation” and “Energization” to the original ABC model in order to not only be aware of your thinking patterns but to be able to overcome pessimistic thinking and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.

To be optimistic, you have to change what you believe about yourself and the situation you are encountering. Positive beliefs result in a more positive consequence, which then leads to a more positive outlook.

Aside from enhancing your skills and personal resources, there are many other benefits of cultivating a positive mindset, including better overall health, better ability to cope with stress , and greater well-being (Cherry, 2017A).

According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking can increase your lifespan, reduce rates of depression and levels of distress , give you greater resistance to the common cold, improve your overall psychological and physical well-being , improve your cardiovascular health and protect you from cardiovascular disease, and help you build coping skills to keep you afloat during challenging times (2017).

You’ve probably heard of all these generic benefits before, so we’ll get more specific and explore the benefits of a positive mindset in several different contexts:

• The workplace
• Dealing with disability (for both those with a disability and those around them)
• Nursing and healthcare
• Recovery from cancer

10 Benefits of a Positive Mental Attitude in the Workplace

No construct better captures the essence of a positive attitude in the workplace quite like psychological capital (or PsyCap for short). This multicomponent construct is made up of four psychological resources:

PsyCap was first conceptualized as “positive psychological capital” by renowned management and leadership researchers Luthans and Youssef in 2004. The concept quickly took off among positive organizational psychologists, and by 2011 there were already hundreds of citations of PsyCap in the literature.

The first meta-analysis of all the research on PsyCap was conducted in 2011, and it outlined some of the many benefits of PsyCap in the workplace:

• PsyCap was positively related to job satisfaction , organizational commitment, and psychological well-being.
• PsyCap was also positively related to organizational citizenship (desirable employee behaviors) and multiple measures of performance (self-rated, supervisor evaluations, and objective measures).
• PsyCap was negatively related to cynicism, turnover intentions, job stress, and anxiety .
• PsyCap was also negatively related to negative employee deviance (bad employee behaviors; Avey, Reichard, Luthans, & Mhatre, 2011).

It seems pretty straightforward that positive attitudes like optimism and resilience lead to positive outcomes for the organization and for the employees!

Another study by a few of the giants in the field of positive psychology (Sonja Lyubomirsky, Laura King, and Ed Diener, 2005) investigated the relationship between happiness and benefits to employees. They showed that positive attitudes in the workplace also benefit the employee in addition to the organization:

• Happier employees are more productive than other employees.
• Happy salespeople have higher sales than other salespeople.
• Happy employees are more creative than other employees.
• Happy employees are evaluated more positively by their supervisors.
• Happy employees are less likely to show job withdrawal (absenteeism, turnover, job burnout, and retaliatory behaviors).
• Happy employees make more money than other employees.

So, a positive attitude can have great benefits for the organization as a whole and for all of its employees.

It turns out that a positive attitude can also result in benefits for leaders and their followers (as well as spreading positivity throughout the organization).

The Importance of a Positive Mindset for Leadership

As important as a positive mindset is for the rank-and-file, it’s easy to see why it is vital for those in a position of leadership.

Researchers Hannah, Woolfolk, and Lord (2009) outlined a framework for positive leadership that rests on the idea that leaders with a positive self-concept (a positive idea of who they are and a habit of thinking positively about themselves) are more able to bring the “right stuff” to their leadership role.

In their theory, a leader with a positive mindset is not only more likely to be actively engaged and to perform at a high level, he or she is also more able to influence followers toward a more positive mindset through role modeling and normative influence.

A study completed around the same time provides support for the relationship between leader and follower positivity; trust in management influenced positive PsyCap, which had a big impact on performance for leaders and followers (Clapp-Smith, Vogegesang, & Avey, 2008).

Further, trust in management was linked to positive leadership and performance. While trust in management isn’t necessarily indicative of a positive mindset in both leader and follower, it is certainly a likely outcome of a generally positive attitude in the workplace.

Forbes writer Victor Lipman (2017) puts findings like these in simpler terms:

“It’s always easier to follow someone with a positive outlook.”

In other words, positive attitudes in a leader will draw followers and encourage motivation and engagement in subordinates. Lipman also notes that having a positive outlook and being resilient is vital in leadership positions because there is a lot of stress involved in managing and leading others.

Leaders must always be “on” and spend much of their time “performing” as a strong, confident leader and perhaps even a public face. This role is a tiring one, and being optimistic and resilient will help leaders stay sane and healthy in challenging contexts.

The Promotion of Positive Attitudes Towards Disability

Having a positive attitude is also a boon for those educating, interacting with, and caring for a disabled student, loved one, or patient.

A positive attitude toward disability facilitates disabled students’ education and helps them assimilate into postsecondary education (Rao, 2004).

This makes it even more troubling to learn that, according to a 2012 study on UK primary schools, only 38% of them had a Disability Equality Scheme in place and only 30% had included a plan to “promote positive attitudes towards disabled people” (Beckett & Buckner). Further, 76% of schools reported that their staff had not received any training in the promotion of positive attitudes towards students with disabilities.

With so many resources available for promoting positive attitudes toward disability, there is ample opportunity to rectify this lack; for example, research by The Children’s Society in the UK identified several ways to promote positivity:

• An inclusive ethos within the school.
• Staff teams who are knowledgeable, skilled, and committed.
• Better training, guidance, and support for teachers, including Disability Equality training and ongoing INSET for all staff.
• High levels of awareness across the whole school community.
• Disability equality teaching being part of a wider strategy and included across the curriculum and not just within subjects such as PSHE, Citizenship and Religious education.
• A designated member of staff to coordinate teaching across the curriculum
• A better understanding of why promoting disability awareness and equality is important.
• Links with disabled people within the school community and beyond, as well as links with special schools.
• The availability of good resources.
• Awareness of, and the challenging of, stereotypes.
• A critical approach to the use of ‘disablist’ language which reinforces discriminatory attitudes and negative stereotypes.
• Promotion of the social model of disability.
• The inclusion of positive and diverse images in all materials used within the school and undertaking an audit of existing materials and resources to ensure they promote positive attitudes (More information on these suggestions can be found here ).

A 2009 study also established that formal instruction in disability awareness combined with hands-on fieldwork experiences with people who have a disability can have a significant impact on the positive attitudes toward those with disability (Campbell, Gilmore, & Cuskelly).

The research found that teachers-in-training who participated in a one-semester course involving direct work with students who had Down syndrome greatly improved their knowledge of the syndrome as well as their attitudes toward those with Down syndrome.

All of these findings show that having a positive attitude towards those with a disability is not only the right thing to work toward, but it also has a significant positive influence on both those with disability and those around them.

Unsurprisingly, it’s also important for nurses and other health professionals to cultivate a positive attitude towards their patients with a disability—something that nurses sometimes struggle with (Tervo & Palmer, 2004).

Positive Attitude in Nursing and Health Care

On the subject of nursing and healthcare, this is another context where having a positive mindset (towards oneself and one’s patients—disabled or otherwise) can have a positive impact.

In fact, having a positive attitude is so important for nursing, expert Jean Watson describes nursing as the “Caring Science” (2009). Indeed, positivity and caring are ingrained in the field; just take a look at the five core nursing values:

• Human dignity
• Social justice (Fahrenwald et al., 2005)

These five values lay the foundation for a caring, positive mindset that is the hallmark of good nursing practice. Nurses who embrace these core values and adopt a positive mindset toward themselves, their work, and their patients can help them find the meaning and fulfillment that likely prompted them to enter the field in the first place.

Having a positive mindset in health care not only acts as a facilitator of meaning and purpose in the lives of healthcare professionals but it also:

• Improves the professional’s performance and helps patients find healing and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Reduces the frequency of accidents by enhancing focus.
• Helps the professional build a good reputation and advance in their career (Swanson, n.d.).

Luckily, there are evidence-backed ways for nurses to implement a more positive outlook, including:

• The “Three Good Things” exercise, in which the nursing staff maintains a “three good things” sheet that gets passed around all the nurses at the end of their shift; each staff member writes down at least one good thing that happened that day, and the charge nurse selects three of these positive things to share with the oncoming-shift nurses to help them start their day with positivity.
• Increasing social connections with patients by placing a “getting to know you” board in each patient room; on admission, nurses can encourage the patient to share something about themselves (not their illness or hospitalization, but about who you are).
• Encouraging random acts of kindness by nurses—a practice which has the potential to spread to patients and other healthcare professionals as well.
• Enhancing gratitude through a staff peer recognition board.
• Practicing loving-kindness meditation at staff meetings.
• Identifying and applying one’s Signature Strengths (Roberts & Strauss, 2015).

Speaking of the importance of positivity in health care, the benefits can extend to the patients as well.

Positive Attitude and Cancer Recovery

You’ve probably heard the common phrases and encouragements used when discussing someone’s cancer diagnosis.

A cancer patient will likely be told at least a few times that “You have to stay positive!” and “You can fight this if you maintain a positive attitude.”

This idea that being positive will help cancer patients to fight the disease is a common one, although the literature is a bit iffy on whether this phenomenon is real (Coyne & Tennen, 2010; O’Baugh, Wilkes, Luke, & George, 2003).

Although it is unclear whether simply cultivating a positive mindset will help a patient beat cancer, there’s no doubt that getting support, focusing on a healthy mental state, and maintaining a positive attitude will help patients reduce their tension, anxiety, fatigue, and depression, and improve their overall quality of life (Spiegel et al., 2007).

Cancer Treatment Centers of America expert Katherine Puckett agrees that positivity can be helpful for patients being treated for cancer, but clarifies that other emotions are perfectly acceptable as well.

“So often I have heard a loved one say to a cancer patient who is crying, ‘Stop crying. You know you have to be positive’… However, when we make space for people to express all of their feelings, rather than bottling them up inside, it is then easier for them to be optimistic. It is okay to allow tears to flow—these can be a healthy release.” (Katherine Puckett, as reported in Fischer, 2016).

This indicates that the most important factor regarding positivity in cancer recovery is that it is authentic . False smiles and superficial cheerfulness will likely do nothing for the cancer patient, but working on cultivating an authentically positive mindset and focusing on the activities and techniques that build well-being can have a significant impact on a cancer patient’s quality of life and—possibly—their chances of beating cancer.

Do a quick Google search on how to cultivate a more positive mindset, and you’ll see that there are tons of suggestions out there! We’ve gathered some of the most popular and most evidence-backed methods here, but don’t hesitate to search for more if you need them.

Larry Alton (2018) from Success.com lists 7 practical tips to help you get more positive:

• Start the day with positive affirmations (scroll down to see some example affirmations).
• Focus on the good things, however small they are.
• Find humor in bad situations.
• Turn failures into lessons—and learn from them!
• Transform negative self-talk into positive self-talk.
• Focus on the present instead of getting mired in the past or losing your way in the future.
• Find positive friends, mentors, and co-workers to support and encourage you.

A successful author, speaker, and coach Brian Tracy (n.d.) echoes some of these tips and adds a couple more:

• Remember that it’s your response that determines the outcome of a situation.
• Use positive affirmations or phrases to chase off negative thoughts.
• Find inspirational quotes and messages to bolster your positivity.
• Decide to be happy by being grateful and assuming the people around you have the best of intentions.
• Challenge yourself to maintain a positive attitude when something goes wrong—show the world how resilient and positive you are!

For a more specific list of habits and actions you can take to develop a more positive mindset, try these 10 suggestions from Megan Wycklendt (2014) of Fulfillment Daily:

• Keep a gratitude journal .
• Reframe your challenges as opportunities for growth .
• Get good at being rejected—it happens to everyone!
• Use positive words to describe your life.
• Replace have with get (e.g., I have to go to work → I get to go to work).
• Don’t let yourself get dragged down into other people’s complaints.
• Breathe—consciously, purposefully, and mindfully.
• Notice the righteous and good in times of tragedy and violence.
• Have solutions ready when you point out problems.
• Make someone else smile.

Finally, these 11 techniques from Dr. Tchiki Davis (2018) can also help you adopt a more positive attitude:

• Ask yourself, “Do I think positively?” Take a test or quiz on positivity to see where you stand.
• Strengthen your memory for positive information by using positive words more often.
• Strengthen your brain’s ability to work with positive information with exercises that involve positive words.
• Strengthen your brain’s ability to pay attention to the positive by routinely redirecting your focus away from the negative to the positive.
• Condition yourself to experience random moments of positivity (use classical conditioning on yourself to build positive associations).
• Think positive—but not too much—and think negative when you need to; sometimes we need to grieve, think about the negative consequences, and use negative emotions to motivate and engage us.
• Practice gratitude (perhaps with a gratitude journal).
• Savor the good moments (stop to “smell the roses” and celebrate the positive).
• Generate positive emotions by watching funny videos
• Stop minimizing your successes and acknowledge the efforts you put in.
• Stop all-or-nothing thinking; this cognitive distortion is not in line with reality since things are very rarely “all good” or “all bad.”

To pass along the benefits of developing a positive mindset to students, you can encourage them to try the techniques listed above.

However, there are some methods for improving students’ attitude towards learning and school that may be even more effective.

Elliot Seif from the ASCD’s Edge website outlines 13 ways you can help students cultivate this mindset:

• “Reduce the emphasis on traditional testing as the key assessment tool, and focus on more “natural” and diverse assessment approaches such as essays and papers, reflective journals, oral presentations, and other demonstrations of their learning.
• Create the expectation that effort makes a difference in learning. Help students understand that when someone works hard, they are more likely to succeed. Give students more opportunities to put effort into areas that interest them and that they enjoy.
• Include narratives on report cards that focus on individual strengths and interests.
• Where possible, instead of or in addition to reading textbooks, find and have students read and choose books that are interesting to them, that opens them up to the world around them, that makes them think!
• Focus primarily on student strengths and student success. For each student, consider “ the glass as half full ” rather than “the glass as half empty”. Encourage students as much as possible. Understand that not all students will be strong in all areas and that it is important to help each student find his or her strengths and interests and to build on them. Also, see “failure” as an opportunity for student growth. Make it clear to students that not doing well is a cause for looking inside yourself to see how you can do something better (and that you will do the same). Give students more specific feedback, along with opportunities to redo their work and improve it. Provide mentors and tutors and other help and support for students who need it.
• Be willing to “slow down the learning process”. Focus learning on what you think is important. Figure out ways to teach an idea differently, and work on something for a longer period than you normally do if your students are not “getting it”. Figure out alternative ways to teach something if your approach isn’t working.
• Focus a good deal of your teaching on “learning how to learn” skill development. Read up on how to teach study skills, learning to learn skills, research skills, inquiry skills. Make sure that your students grow both in terms of content they learn and the “learning to learn” skills they need to develop in order to learn well in the future.
• Make “asking questions” central to your teaching and to your learning environment and school culture. Write course descriptions around key questions. Use essential questions to focus units, or have students develop essential questions as the focus for learning. As you teach, encourage students to ask clarifying and elaborative questions. Make it clear to students that no question is too small or too silly. Build open time for students to ask questions on the topics they are studying. Use “wait time” when you are asking for questions. Teach students study strategies such as SQ3R[i] that encourage students to turn statements (such as text headings) into questions.
• Give students more choices and options – in the classroom, by offering many electives, through multiple extra-curricular options. Choices/options should give students opportunities to develop and expand their interests, see connections and relevance in what they are learning, and expand their talents.
• Use inquiry strategies, research skill-building activities, interactive learning and projects as critical parts of teaching. Incorporate more interest-based projects into your curriculum.
• Where possible, make learning experiences more “authentic”. For example, consider how learning about the American Revolution might be tied to a current event happening in the world. Visit the area surrounding the school to demonstrate how math might be used for everyday activity. Through surveys, encourage students to provide feedback on whether they feel that their learning is interesting, motivating, and relevant and whether they are being encouraged to develop their talents and interests. Conduct student surveys to determine what types of school and classroom activities are most motivating and interesting. Create activities and experiences that enable students to get outside the school and learn from the outside world and perform community service.
• Create more ways to integrate learning across the curriculum and consider ways to redesign the curriculum. Use themes to create more interdisciplinary units. Connect separate subject areas, such as by teaching American history and literature in tandem so that history topics and specific literature that touch on similar time periods or themes are taught at the same time. When redesigning or renewing the curriculum, examine whether curriculum materials or programs have a significant component built around developing curiosity, motivation, relevance, and interest.
• See yourself as helping students build “pathways to adult success”. How can your subject, your grade level, your school contribute to making these pathways smoother? How can you provide students with a concrete understanding of their future options? Can you take field trips to different places of business? Colleges and universities? Bring in speakers?” (Seif, 2013)

However, these techniques are not always within a teacher’s (or parent’s) realm of control. If you these techniques are too overwhelming or the scope is out of your control, try these 7 strategies that you will likely have the power to implement:

• Be an example. Model a positive, encouraging attitude in all that you say, do and believe.
• Create a positive learning space for your student.
• Help your student visualize a positive outcome from every scenario before starting.
• Eliminate negative verbiage from your students’ dialogue (e.g., respond to “I can’t do it” with “Why can’t you do it? What’s holding you back? How can I help?”).
• Help your students change negative thinking patterns (encourage them to replace the negative thoughts with positive ones).
• Play the role of your students’ biggest fan (encourage them and help them develop self-confidence ).
• Incorporate a rewards system to encourage positivity at all times (Werrell, 2016).

For more tips and suggestions from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, check out their excellent resource on instilling positive attitudes and perceptions about learning here .

There are many positive thinking exercises and games that can give you a boost.

Some of the most popular ones are listed here, but feel free to search for more if none of them align with your interests—there are a lot to choose from out there!

Zdravko Lukovski from the Enlightenment Portal website has 10 exercises and activities that you can implement in your own life or encourage your clients to try in order to think more positively:

• Listen to your favorite music—it’s that easy! Music has a fairly unique ability to put you in a positive state of mind, so take advantage of that fact.
• Express your thankfulness and gratitude for all the good things in your life. Appreciate them, and write them down to help you remember.
• Remember to breathe. Breathe deeply, slowly, and mindfully to transport your mind to a positive, calm place.
• Don’t live according to a label—labels come from others, not from yourself, and you are so much more than a simple label could ever represent. Be authentic, and it will be much easier to be positive.
• Check your internal dialogue, and challenge that critical inner voice to make room for happiness.
• Engage in positive activities like meditation , yoga , hiking, playing a sport, or whatever other activity you enjoy.
• Take back control of the things you can change—and put in the effort required to actually change—but learn to accept the things you cannot change.
• Go easy on yourself. Don’t kick yourself when you’re down; everyone fails, and it doesn’t mean you’re not good enough.
• Pay attention to your diet, and ensure that you eat healthy food that will contribute to a healthy and positive mind.
• Embrace change—it’s happening whether we want it to or not, so it’s best to embrace it. Make an effort to step outside of your comfort zone (2015).

This list from Thought Catalog’s Kathy Mitchell (2017) has some of the same ideas as Lukovski, but she adds a few more activities as well:

• Listen to upbeat music.
• Have sex (that can certainly be an engaging and life-affirming activity!).
• Travel, even if it’s not very far—the point is to interact with different people and get to know other cultures.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Be thankful and cultivate gratitude.
• Journal and/or use a notebook to write things down—especially positive things.
• Breathe mindfully and deeply.
• Use positive words and avoid phrases like “I can’t” and “I won’t.”
• Practice positive affirmations or mantras.
• Try the Best Possible Self exercise (imagine yourself in your best possible future, and write about it).
• Volunteer and commit your time and efforts to helping others.
• Take control of the things you can, and accept the things you can’t.
• Remind yourself “Never a failure, always a lesson;” make every failure a learning opportunity.
• Try the mirror technique—say something positive about yourself (and truly mean it) every time you see yourself in the mirror.
• Socialize and spend time with others, including family, friends, your spouse or significant other, and new friends or acquaintances.

If you’re more interested in games you can play to boost positive thinking, try these suggested games from Mary Osborne (2017) at Live Strong.

Recognizing Positive Behavior

Gather your team (or family, friends, etc.) and review a list of a generic individual’s positive behaviors (like giving credit to others, smiling, saying thank you, and listening nonjudgmentally).

Next, ask players to identify their reactions to positive behaviors like these.

When everyone has listed their responses to these behaviors, talk about them as a group to show that engaging in positive behaviors like these will attract clients, customers, and coworkers rather than repel them.

The “Glad” Game

This game comes from the Disney movie Pollyanna, in which the main character actively cultivates positive thinking.

Have one person bring up a negative event, like losing a job or breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend.

The other players are challenged to turn the first person’s thoughts to the positive; for example, they can say something like, “ But now that I’ve lost my job, I’ll have more time to _______ .” The first person must come up with a word or phrase that fits the blank.

This game will encourage you to find the silver lining and look for opportunities instead of wallowing in despair.

Egg-Balancing Game

The egg-balancing game can be frustrating, but it can impart an important lesson in staying optimistic and open-minded.

Give your player(s) a raw egg and a flat, somewhat textured tabletop (use a tablecloth or placemat if you need to). Tell them to find a way to balance the egg in an upright position on the table. They might say it’s not possible, but assure them that it is!

Let them try for a while—they might actually be able to do it—but give them a small mound of salt to balance the egg in if they are struggling for too long. If you use the salt, remind them that this is an important thing to remember: sometimes things that seem impossible actually are possible when you think outside the box!

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Hunt for Happiness

This game is described as a “positive-thinking scavenger game” and it can be used with both children and adults.

Have the players make a list of things that they feel make life worth living or, for younger children, things that make them smile.

Once everyone has a list ready, send them off on a scavenger hunt to collect as many items on the list as possible. If it’s too big to collect and bring back, you can mark your “collection” of it on the list.

You’ll have to get creative to check off everything on the list, especially abstract things like “love,” but that’s part of the challenge. As a bonus, it will also help you boost your creative thinking in addition to your positive thinking.

To read more about these games, click here .

For Children

There are even more games and activities to help children develop a positive mindset. If you’re a teacher, parent, coach, or anyone else who interacts with kids, give these activities a try.

Big Life Journal has a great infographic that lists the ways you can help children develop a positive attitude. You can find the whole blog post here , but we’ll outline the 7 activities they describe:

• Engage your child in loving-kindness meditation. You can teach him or her the four traditional phrases directed towards loved ones if you’d like: “May you feel safe. May you feel happy. May you feel healthy. May you live with ease.”
• Encourage your child to help others, whether that takes the form of assisting an elderly neighbor with yard work or chores, helping a friend with homework, or participating in a canned food, clothing, or toy drive.
• Have your child create and write in an “Awe Journal.” Tell them to write down any sights or moments from their daily life that they find beautiful, extraordinary, awesome, or just all-around wonderful.
• Encourage your child to set goals, visualize their path forward, and plan for obstacles before they come face-to-face with them (this is the WOOP approach: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan).
• Share your own positive experiences with your child. Laugh with them, hug them, and set aside quality time to simply be together.
• Identify your child’s strengths and encourage him or her to put them to good use and develop them further with productive, fun activities.
• Guide your child through the process of coming up with positive affirmations like, “I am kind. I am enough. I am loving. I am good.” (Cullins, 2018).

Another collection of activities that can help children (and the whole family) develop and maintain a positive mindset comes from Sharon Harding at the Rediscovered Families website:

• Keep “Quote Books,” or notebooks for your children to write in. Every week, choose a positive quote to share with your kids and encourage them to write it down along with their thoughts, drawings that correspond to the quote, or insights from a family discussion or activities based on the quote.
• Try the “Success of the Day” activity, in which each family member is encouraged to talk about a success they had that day, like helping someone, standing up for a peer, finishing a project, or committing (or receiving) a random act of kindness. Your children can keep a journal of their successes to look back on and draw inspiration from.
• Create Warm Fuzzy Jars for each of your children; whenever they do something kind or helpful, they can place a pom-pom ball in their jar to represent the warm fuzzy feeling they gave to another person. When their jar is full, they get to choose a special or fun activity to do—with either parent, both parents, their sibling, or the whole family.
• Write Morning Love Notes (sweet notes for them to read in the morning and get a good start to their day) for your children, and encourage them to write them for their siblings.
• Choose an Act of Kindness to help your kids understand the impact a simple kindness can have. Try something like shoveling a neighbor’s walkway when it snows, bringing a meal to a family in need, or volunteering.
• Creating art that helps them to manage their feelings and turn their mind towards the positive (more info here ).
• Have each family member create a Slinky Character Trait Person. Encourage each family member to identify some positive character traits in each other and write them on the slinky person. You can find more detailed instructions here .
• Help each child make a vision board to share their hopes, dreams, goals, and aspirations with each other.
• Complete the Buggy and Buddy motivational art activity to help your children boost their creative confidence and self-esteem .
• Make gratitude stones and encourage your children to practice gratitude every day. All you’ll need is a small, smooth stone and some paint to create a heart on the stone. Tell your children to carry them around and use them as a reminder to think about the things they are grateful for. You can also use them in other ways, detailed here .

If games and activities aren’t really your “thing,” there are lots of other ways to cultivate a positive attitude.

One effective technique is completing worksheets designed to help you develop a positive mindset.

A few of the many worksheets on this topic are described below.

Strengths Exploration

Becoming more positive can start with a fun and uplifting exercise—identifying your strengths.

This worksheet lists 36 individual strengths, with room to add 4 more, that you can use to pick out which strengths you embody. You can choose as many as you like, but try to keep the list to those traits that you think are your biggest strengths .

Once you have your strengths identified, move on to the rest of the worksheet: learning about your strengths in specific areas, how you apply them now, and how you can use them more often.

The second page concerns your relationships—romantic relationships, family relationships, and relationships with friends. There are three questions to guide you here:

• List the strengths you possess that help you in your relationships.
• Describe a specific time your strengths were able to help you in a relationship.
• Describe two new ways you could use your strengths in relationships.

On the third page, you will answer the same questions but with your profession in mind instead of relationships.

The fourth page repeats these questions but with a focus on personal fulfillment (hobbies, interests, pleasurable activities).

You can find this worksheet here .

Gratitude Journal

Cultivating a regular practice of gratitude will help you to become more positive, and this worksheet will guide you in establishing your practice.

First, the instructions for the sheet are as follows: “Two times a week, write a detailed entry about one thing you are grateful for. This could be a person, a job, a great meal with friends, or anything else that comes to mind.”

Next, the worksheet includes some tips for effective journaling, like:

• Don’t rush to write down the first things that come to your mind. Take time to truly think about what you’re grateful for. Expect each entry to take between 10-20 minutes.
• Writing about the people who you’re grateful for tends to be more powerful than writing about things.

To help get you started, you can use one of the journaling prompts listed in the worksheet, including:

• Someone whose company I enjoy…
• A fun experience I had…
• A reason to be excited about the future…
• An unexpected good thing that happened…

The next two pages provide you space to write up to four entries. It’s best if you get a journal specifically for this purpose, but this space can get you started until you obtain a journal.

Click here to download this worksheet .

Positive Journal

Similar to the gratitude journal, a positive journal is an effective way to use journaling to improve your mindset.

The worksheet encourages you to make a point of recognizing positive experiences throughout your day, however big or small. At the end of each day, use the worksheet to record three positive things that happened.

It’s good to have an actual journal for your positive entries (either the same journal you use for recording the things you are grateful for or a separate one), but this worksheet includes space for entering three positive things for 7 days to help you get started.

Click here to read the instructions in more detail.

Protective Factors

The Protective Factors worksheet will get you thinking about all of the positive traits, attributes, and skills that contribute to your resilience and overall mental health. Identifying these factors is essential to knowing when and how to use them.

The instructions are to review each of the protective factors listed and marking where you are on the scale (from weak to strong). These factors include:

• Social Support
• Coping Skills
• Physical Health
• Sense of Purpose
• Self-Esteem
• Healthy Thinking

Once you have given thought to each protective factor, the next page poses some questions about them:

• Which protective factor has been the most valuable to you during difficult times?
• Specifically, how have you used this protective factor to your advantage in the past?
• What are the two protective factors that you would like to improve?
• Describe how things might be different if you able to improve these protective factors.
• List specific steps or actions that might help to make these goals a reality.

To download this worksheet and learn about your own protective factors, click here .

Looking Back, Looking Forward

This worksheet will help you to identify times in your life when things have gone well, when you got things right, and when you thrived.

First, for the “Looking Back” portion, you will be instructed to choose a timeframe to reflect on (for example, “the past year” or “since starting my new job”).

Next, you will answer several questions about the positive events and accomplishments from this time period, including:

• List your accomplishments from this timeframe, even if they seem minor.
• Describe a great day from this timeframe. What made this day special?
• How have you grown, or what lessons did you learn, during this timeframe?
• What are you grateful for from this timeframe? Try to list at least three examples.
• What was a challenge that you overcame during this timeframe?

For the “Looking Forward” portion, you will complete a similar exercise but with a future time period in mind.

Instead of the questions above, you will answer these five questions:

• What would you like to achieve during this timeframe?
• What are you looking forward to during this timeframe? Try to list at least three examples.
• What relationships would you like to strengthen during this timeframe?
• What can you do to help others during this timeframe?
• Ideally, how will your life be different at the end of this timeframe? Give specifics.

Once you have completed this worksheet, you will have a list of good things and accomplishments already behind you, and a list of good things you have to look forward to and work towards. Click here to get started.

Why I’m Grateful

This is a great worksheet for cultivating gratitude, and it can be used with children or adults.

It lists six prompts for you to complete that will help you focus on the good things in your life:

• I am grateful for my family because…
• Something good that happened this week…
• I am grateful for my friendship with… because…
• I am grateful for who I am because…
• Something silly that I am grateful for…
• Something else I am grateful for…

To start thinking about all the things you have to be grateful for, click here .

Positive Activities for Behavioral Activation

This worksheet is focused on the therapeutic technique of behavioral activation—encouraging the patient to get more active, engage in positive activities, and gain the rewards inherent in these activities.

It instructs you to create a list of activities that you find personally rewarding and leaves space for you to do so.

Next, it instructs you to rate the ease of each activity on a scale from 1 (difficult) to 10 (easy) and the reward you get from each activity on a scale from 1 (not at all rewarding) to 10 (very rewarding).

Completing this worksheet will leave you with a list of activities that you can refer to whenever you need a quick boost, and help you learn about what you enjoy most.

Click here to download this worksheet.

Positive Experiences

The Positive Experiences worksheet is a simple one in theory, but it can be difficult to actually complete. The difficulty comes with an equivalent reward though; you can get a great boost in your mood, self-esteem, and self-confidence from completing it.

The only instruction is to consider each of the positive traits listed and write briefly about times when you have displayed each of them.

The positive traits include:

• Selflessness
• Determination

If you’re feeling particularly down, you may be tempted to skip one or two, but fight this urge! You have definitely displayed each of these traits at one time or another—don’t sell yourself short!

Positive Steps to Wellbeing

This resource is actually a handout, but you can certainly make it interactive by taking notes or using check marks to indicate what you have tried, or what you would like to try.

It lists 12 things you can do to improve your wellbeing. These 12 activities include:

• Being kind to yourself
• Exercise regularly
• Take up a hobby and/or learn a new skill
• Have some fun and/or be creative
• Help others
• Eat healthily
• Balance sleep
• Connect with others
• Beware drink and drugs
• See the bigger picture
• Accepting: “It is as it is”

To read more about how each of these activities contributes to your wellbeing, download the handout here .

Positive Self-Talk/Coping Thoughts Worksheet

The positive self-talk/coping thoughts worksheet is a great way to turn your focus from the negative to the positive and come up with positive statements you can use to cope in future stressful or difficult situations.

Example coping thoughts and positive statements listed on the worksheet include:

• Stop, and breathe, I can do this.
• This will pass.
• This feels bad, and feelings are very often wrong.
• I can feel bad and still choose to take a new and healthy direction.
• I feel this way because of my past experiences, but I am safe right now.

After reading the example statements, the worksheet encourages you to write down some coping thoughts or positive statements for difficult or distressing situations in your life. You can write them directly on the worksheet, but it may be most helpful to copy them onto a note card and carry them with you.

While we’re on the subject of positive statements, we should also mention that quotes and affirmations can be an excellent way to encourage positive thinking.

Affirmations

If you’re interested in affirmations, try the Mind Tools Content Team’s (n.d.) list of positive thinking affirmations:

• I have plenty of creativity for this project.
• My work will be recognized in a positive way by my boss and colleagues.
• I can do this!
• My team respects and values my opinion.
• I am successful.
• I am honest in my life, and my work.
• I like completing tasks and projects on time.
• I’m grateful for the job I have.
• I enjoy working with my team.
• I’m bringing a positive attitude to work every day.
• I am excellent at what I do.
• I am generous.
• I am happy.
• I will be a leader in my organization.

If none of these appeal to you on a deep level, refer to their tips on developing your own personal affirmations:

• Think about the areas of your life that you’d like to change.
• Write affirmations that are credible and achievable (based on reality).
• Use your affirmations to turn negative into positive (note a persistent negative thought and choose an affirmation that is the opposite).
• Write your affirmations in the present tense—affirm yourself in the here and now, not a vague future version of yourself.
• Say it with feeling! Your affirmations should be personally meaningful to you (Mind Tools Content Team, n.d.).

If you’re having trouble coming up with your affirmations or you just like to hear a different perspective on positive thinking, you might find some quotes helpful.

Lydia Sweatt (2017) from Success.com shares 13 great quotes on optimism and having a positive attitude.

“Optimism doesn’t wait on facts. It deals with prospects.”

Norman Cousins

“Be fanatically positive and militantly optimistic. If something is not to your liking, change your liking.”

Rick Steves

“No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.”

Helen Keller

“Optimism is a strategy for making a better future. Because unless you believe that the future can be better, you are unlikely to step up and take responsibility for making it so.”

Noam Chomsky

“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”

Lucille Ball

“An optimist understands that life can be a bumpy road, but at least it is leading somewhere. They learn from mistakes and failures, and are not afraid to fail again.”

Harvey Mackay

“Optimism is a kind of heart stimulant―the digitalis of failure.”

Elbert Hubbard

“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

John Wooden

“Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.”

Benjamin Franklin

“Optimism refuses to believe that the road ends without options.”

Robert H. Schuller

“What is hope but a feeling of optimism, a thought that says things will improve, it won’t always be bleak [and] there’s a way to rise above the present circumstances.”

Wayne W. Dyer

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

Winston Churchill

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”

Martin Luther

Quotes can be fantastic motivators, but you probably agree that a rousing speech or inspiring video can be even more effective.

Check out these TED Talks and YouTube videos on positive thinking when you need a boost.

Jim Rohn’s A Positive Attitude Attracts Success

Brendon Burchard’s How to Reprogram Your Mind (for Positive Thinking)

Carol Dweck’s TED Talk The Power of Believing That You Can Improve

Shawn Achor’s TED Talk The Happy Secret to Better Work

If you’re more of a fan of books than videos, never fear—we’ve got book recommendations too!

Here are just a few of the many books on developing a positive mindset:

• Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment by Martin E. P. Seligman ( Amazon )
• Attitude: Your Most Priceless Possession by Elwood N. Chapman ( Amazon )
• The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor ( Amazon )
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck ( Amazon )
• Getting Back to Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality, and Turn Your Trials into Triumphs by March Chernoff and Angel Chernoff ( Amazon )
• Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin E. P. Seligman ( Amazon )
• Mindset: How Positive Thinking Will Set You Free & Help You Achieve Massive Success in Life by Benjamin Smith ( Amazon )
• Hard Optimism: How to Succeed in a World Where Positive Wins by Price Pritchett ( Amazon )

17 Top-Rated Positive Psychology Exercises for Practitioners

Expand your arsenal and impact with these 17 Positive Psychology Exercises [PDF] , scientifically designed to promote human flourishing, meaning, and wellbeing.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

If you’re still with me after this very long read, thanks for sticking with it! I hope you will find that the time invested in reading this piece was worth the information you gleaned from it.

The one takeaway from this piece that I really hope sticks with you is this: Positive thinking is a powerful tool that can result in a lot of benefits for you and those around you; however, thinking positive 100% of the time is unrealistic and could even be disastrous.

We have a lot of different emotions and thoughts, and we have such a wide variety for a reason. There are times when being a bit pessimistic can help us, and it is a good idea to let out the negative emotions you experience once in a while (especially if the alternative is bottling them up).

If you’re an optimist by nature, cultivate gratitude for your inherent positivity, but make sure you don’t push aside the negative feelings that crop up. They’re part of life too.

If you’re a pessimist by nature, don’t despair of ever thinking positively. Try a few of the techniques that seem most applicable and give yourself a break if it takes some time. Remember, the goal is not to become a “ Pollyanna ,” but to become the best version of yourself that you can be and maintain a healthy and happy mental state.

How do you feel about the positivity movement? Are you naturally optimistic, pessimistic, or somewhere in between? Do you have any thoughts about how to cultivate a positive mindset? Let us know in the comments section below!

Thanks for reading, and best of luck in developing a positive mindset!

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .

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The Power of Positivity

Why is positivity so important and how do you grow yours find out here..

Posted January 1, 2021 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

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Positivity refers to our tendency to be optimistic in life. This is in contrast to negativity, which is all about thinking, feeling, and doing negative things. When we have positivity, we might think positive, have positive emotions, and do positive things.

Positivity can lead to better mental health and well-being (take the well-being quiz here ). For example, self-directed positive thinking can buffer us from the effects of stress (Taylor & Brown, 1994). So try being positive toward yourself, for example, by building your self-compassion skills.

Future-oriented positivity can also be powerful. For example, optimism can lead to better social relationships and a better ability to cope with stress (Taylor & Brown, 1994).

Examples of Positivity

Here are some examples to help you use the power of positivity in your life.

• Self-oriented positivity: “I'm a good person.”
• Other-oriented positivity: “My friends aren't perfect, but they are there for me when I need them.”
• Gratitude : “I’m so lucky to have such a great husband."
• Paying attention to the positive: “That movie was so cool.”
• Savoring: “That vacation last year made me feel so relaxed and connected.”
• Future-oriented positivity: “I'm looking forward to my friend's 'Friendsgiving' this year.”

Brain Training and Positivity

Research has shown that we can improve cognitive function in ways that boost positivity. For example, computerized training that leads people to focus on the positive over the negative contributes to positive outcomes (Wadlinger & Isaacowitz, 2008).

Power of Positivity Practices

Here are some practices that can help you increase your positivity.

1. Write a self-compassion letter

Being comfortable with yourself—and showing yourself some compassion—can make it easier to find, express, and receive positivity. To build your self-compassion, try writing yourself a self-compassion letter (Shapira & Mongrain, 2010). In this letter, you say nice things to yourself and give yourself a break for anything that you might have been judging yourself for.

2. Practice positive reappraisal

Positive reappraisal is an emotion regulation strategy that involves trying to reframe the situation to find its benefits and decrease our negative emotions.

3. Practice gratitude

Gratitude journals and lists are good ways to grow positivity. Just try to think of something you're grateful for each day or every few days to boost your gratitude.

4. Try doing a positivity meditation

Mindfulness meditation has become wildly popular. But what about positivity meditations? These can help you focus your thoughts on the positive and improve your mood. You can find several of these meditations on YouTube.

When Positivity Might Backfire

It turns out that forcing people into positivity can backfire. For example, putting pessimists into a positive mood not only hurts performance, but it can also actually make them feel more anxious . Sometimes we use worry and other negative outcomes to help us. Also, suppression and other forms of emotional avoidance are not good for well-being. So if positivity doesn't feel right for you, or doesn't feel right in a specific situation, that's okay.

How to Boost the Power of Positivity

Sometimes we just need to get our minds open and ready to think more positively. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What positive qualities do you have?
• What strengths do you have?
• What are you grateful for?
• What do you have to look forward to (or what can you create so you do have things to look forward to)?

In Sum: Capitalizing on the Power of Positivity

If you want more positivity, you can build it. Just be sure not to force positivity when it doesn't feel right. The more you practice skills that generate positivity, the happier you can become.

Created with content from The Berkeley Well-Being Institute.

Taylor, S. E., & Brown, J. D. (1994). Positive illusions and well-being revisited: separating fact from fiction.

Wadlinger, H. A., & Isaacowitz, D. M. (2008). Looking happy: The experimental manipulation of a positive visual attention bias. Emotion, 8(1), 121.

Shapira, L. B., & Mongrain, M. (2010). The benefits of self-compassion and optimism exercises for individuals vulnerable to depression. Journal of Positive Psychology, 5, 377-389.

Norem, J. K., & Chang, E. C. (2002). The positive psychology of negative thinking. Journal of clinical psychology, 58(9), 993-1001.

Tchiki Davis, Ph.D. , is a consultant, writer, and expert on well-being technology.

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