5 Steps For Positive Affirmation

How to force yourself to become an optimist

We’ve all heard it before, and we really know it’s true: positive affirmations are invaluable in maintaining a great attitude. Positive repetition of uplifting sentiments can have a palpable effect on your outlook and quality of life. And the best thing about these positive affirmations is that they are free, easy and completely portable. (You can, and should, do it everywhere.) Still, it can be so easy to slip into negative thought patterns, and it’s so much better for you (and everyone around you) to stay optimistic and positive. Here’s some ways to stay on the sunny side of the street:

1. Listen to your thoughts

Negative self-talk is easy to slip into, and ultimately very detrimental to your mood and even your health. It really does make a difference what you allow into your brain, and it takes dilligence to keep those negative thoughts from creeping in. Stay aware of what you are telling yourself to help keep things positive.

2. Choose your vocabulary.

Sometimes even the slightest shift in phrasing can have a huge effect on the meaning. Practice rewriting your own thoughts and other statements you hear with a positive slant. Keep that glass half-full whenever you can to remember that there is usually something positive to find in even the bleakest situation. While it might not feel natural at first, it’s remarkably easy to get used to it, and it’s amazing how good it feels. It’s a powerful change from the chronic complaining that marks so much of the population.

3. Little changes mean a lot.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and bad habits usually take some time to lose. Think in terms of progress rather than perfection. It’s not an all or nothing proposition when you’re talking about the power of increasing your positive affirmations. Try to build up a little each day and before you know it, you’ll be miles ahead of where your journey started.

4. Don’t sweat the slips

So many people are way too hard on themselves, expecting perfection and punishing yourself for anything less than a hundred percent. This is particularly evident when you catch yourself beating yourself up over a slip into negative thinking. Allowing yourself to do this can send a little slip into a huge decline. Accept the fact that negativity will sneak into your thoughts from time to time. Make peace with your humanity. Remain aware of yourself and steer back to the positive repetition to keep on track.

5. Nurture your psyche

Make your mental well-being a priority, to improve your overall outlook. Never discount the impact that negative self-talk can have on you, and be protective of yourself. Insist on being uplifting. Refuse to allow the negative influence of others rain on your parade. Take care of yourself by caring about the quality of thoughts you allow in your brain.

Above all things, remember to be gentle with yourself. Becoming a more optimistic (and ultimately happier) person has much to do with the positive repetition of uplifting affirmations. It’s not a race and the journey is never finished. Be patient and steady and let your positive affirmations help your outlook brighten.