“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill

How are you feeling today? Is it a good or bad day? 

Here’s a quick check – according to the Cambridge dictionary, positive thinking is “full of hope and confidence, or giving cause for hope and confidence.” 

Does that sound like you? If not, how do you get it? 

With September 13th designated as Positive Thinking Day, here are several suggestions on how to live your life with a positive outlook.

“You can’t make positive choices for the rest of your life without an environment that makes those choices easy, natural, and enjoyable.” – Deepak Chopra 

Surround yourself in positivity. It sounds so simple, but it does really require a conscious choice to do this.

• Choose to be around people who lift you up and have a similar outlook on life
• Read positive books and blogs
• Listen to music that touches your soul and podcasts that lift your spirits
• Pay it forward
• Volunteer
• Be the person someone needs to lean on
• Get rid of:
  • Negative people
  • Sources of information (media) that cause your blood pressure to rise
  • Unneeded stress
• Avoid drama – the gossip stops with you

“Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.” – Roy T. Bennett

It may seem a bit trivial to say that you should start your day with “a grateful heart” – but it can really help you frame your thoughts for the day.

• Does a cup of coffee first thing in the morning make the world a brighter place? If so, make sure you drink one
• The best way to have a great day is to start it off on a positive note
• Be grateful (a gratitude journal is a great tool for this)

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson

Yes, work to keep your thoughts positive – or at least your negative thoughts to a minimum.

• Be optimistic in everything
  • Find one thing that is good or positive about every situation
  • If your thoughts start going down a negative path, it’s time to refocus
  • Shift perspective – Try looking at a negative situation from the other person’s point of view
  • Train yourself to be optimistic – Do it in small steps – successful change happens through gradual shifts
  • Focus on solutions and move forward
  • Know that you don’t have to be perfect

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

Finding your “sunshine” can mean different things to different people – but know what works for you.

• Smiling is the best
• Practice kindness – which brings a smile to someone else’s face – and your own
  • Give a sincere compliment
  • Do a random act of kindness – buy someone’s coffee in the line behind you
  • Volunteer
  • Thank someone

“Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn

Take control of your day and seek activities that are going to help your mental well-being.

• Living a healthy lifestyle will give you a positive outlook on life
  • Studies show that even working out for as little as ten minutes a day can help you feel more positive
  • Provide proper fuel for your body, so you’re not ‘hangry’ (hungry and angry)
  • A good night’s sleep will allow your body time to recover from the day
  • Get outdoors – time spent in nature lessens stress and anxiety
  • Meditate – it will improve your focus, attention, clarity, and keep your mind calm

“In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact.” – Les Brown

With all of those minutes available to you each day, it’s essential to stay positive! Positivity not only helps you but those around you, too.