The Power of Positivity
Positivity is your greatest weapon.
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
I had several goals set for myself to complete today. I was to wake up, cook breakfast for myself and my significant other, write an article, add a little over a thousand words to my upcoming novel, find a freelancing gig, and finish a task for my day-job.
Things didn’t really work out.
I woke up with an incredible hangover. I didn’t drink the night before, but I did take an allergy medication last night that made me wake up feeling incredibly lethargic.
I like to go out onto my balcony to wake myself up in the mornings. It’s a bit of a ritual. I feel the weather, I stretch my muscles, I light a cigarette, and I browse my Twitter.
I made it out to the balcony, but I immediately knew something was off. My body felt exhausted. I lit a cigarette, finished it, went back inside, and collapsed onto my bed.
An hour later, I woke up. Woops.
I hurriedly went to the kitchen, whipped up some scrambled cheesy eggs, fed my fiancée, and again, lethargy, collapse. This time onto my couch.
I didn’t have the most productive day. I managed to land a freelancing gig, but my “boss” is incredibly difficult to work with so I might have to abandon that ship. And honestly, all I was able to complete was this article.
Despite my failure, I am not giving up.
Positive thinking is the most powerful tool in your arsenal. It allows you to focus on the good aspects of your life and push through the negativity.
There will always be negative factors in life. Albeit a person or event. But positive thinking will greatly enhance your mental health, and thus your mental strength.
The most effective way to start your day begins with how you end the previous day.
Thinking positive thoughts as you drift off to sleep (however long that takes) allows you to wake up the next morning in a more positive mood. This helps start the day off on the right foot.
Before I sleep, I like to make a list of 3 to 5 things that I’m thankful for or happy about. I also like to make a quick list of everything I want to complete the following day.
Then when I wake up, I force myself to think at least one positive thought.
Additionally, throughout the day, I force myself to think positively. Many times my mind drifts off to negative thoughts, but I sharply cut them off and make myself think positively about myself.
Positive thinking and happiness are skills that must be learned through practice.
Do it enough, and it becomes easier.
