“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” – Buddha

Life can be very challenging. With constant demands being placed on our time, it can feel like life is happening to us, not for us. We can get caught up and allow other people and events to run our day, sometimes missing out on opportunities for ourselves.

But, there is a solution to this ever increasing problem – the power of positivity. Consciously making a decision to become a better, more positive version of yourself can and WILL transform your every day life.

Expanding your comfort zone is where growth happens.  With your continual willingness and practice you’ll begin to see more evidence of change. Making gradual small changes in your habits will create big positive ripples down the road. Soon enough, you’ll look back and be astonished at the transformation you’ve made.

And the good news is . . . with the power of positivity it just keeps getting better and better. 😉

Here are 11 Ways to Become a More Positive Thinker:

#1. Use visualization to reinforce what you want to become.

If you really want something, visualize it. Take your focus off of what you don’t want, and spend more time thinking about what you do want.  It might take some conscious effort, especially in the beginning. But, eventually you will spend more time visualizing and focusing on what you do want, that you’ll start to see it happening!

Visualization is simpler than you think.  You probably did it way more when you were a child and teenager than you do now. If you do still “daydream” maybe you think it’s something that’s not realistic for you? Otherwise you would already be there or have it.

Visualization is ALL about positive energy and replaying the story that we wish to see in our mind.

The Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle put it this way:
“First, have a definite, clear, practical ideal; a goal, an objective.
Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends: wisdom, money, materials, and methods.
Third, adjust all your means to that end.”

Athletes like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods have sworn by visualization. So get at it and start visualizing what you want more often. 😉

#2. Express gratitude for everything good in your life.

It’s very important to realize the power of being grateful for what you have. Typically, it’s very easy to focus on what is going wrong instead of what is going right. Research shows, again and again, that people who practice gratitude on a daily basis are healthier, happier, and more effective.

Throughout the day, intentionally look for things to be thankful for. If you really want to get into the art (and success) of gratitude, create a list of five or ten things that you are grateful for and commit to that practice daily.

Gratitude is important to practice every day. If you’ve never done it, at first it may seem like a chore; that’s okay. Eventually it will become second nature and you’ll be expressing gratitude naturally all throughout the day. Especially when you find yourself going the wrong direction, switch your attention to what is going right.

#3. Place inspiring quotes all around you.

We’ve had the great fortune of living after and amongst some of the greatest human minds: William Shakespeare, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Norman Vincent Peale, Confucius (if you want to get old, old school with it!)…  The list is quite literally endless. Find a person or persons who inspire you the most and surround yourself with their words. This is so, so powerful.

You can also feel free to print out our posters from our Facebook page and hang them on your refrigerator, desk or vision board.

#4. Listen to uplifting music.

I’m sure this is just a reminder… but, music can uplift and inspire in ways that few other things can. Music emanates from our alarm clocks, car radios, cell phones, MP3 players, and laptops. It can make us smile, laugh, sway, dance and groove. It’s energizing, powerful, and encouraging. Listen to whatever music inspires you and watch magic happen. 😉

#5. Read motivating books.

Not the corporate drivel that your workplace or school has assigned you, but real, powerful, uplifting books. Books that will open your mind and keep you dreaming. Books that will make you appreciate and value yourself. Books that will empower and inspire you to become and do more – there are many, many literary masterpieces out there that will do this. >>Our Top 10 Positive Thinking Books That Can Change Your Life.

#6. Create personal affirmations and restate your affirmations every day until they are part of you.

We’ve written some great articles about affirmations – what they are, what they do, and a complete guide on how to use them.  If you are new to affirmations then please >>Read more here. Otherwise, we are reminding you to take full advantage of the words that are coming out of your mouth. Every word we speak is an affirmation and when we can consciously keep our focus in the positive direction we can effectively change the brain and reality.

#7. Become a student of meditation.

Meditation is not just for spiritual gurus or yogis. Meditation is a practical way to bring peace, tranquility and consciousness in the midst of our busy lives. You can practice traditional yoga or even try an exercise that puts you in a meditative state like walking, running or yoga. A good 15 minute meditation can do wonders, but even 1 minute of your time can help.  Seriously, Google “How to Meditate in One Minute”! Meditation helps ease anxiety, anger, depression, stress, and insomnia.

#8. Be around positive people.

“You are the company you keep.” This quote says it all. If you hang around and interact with negative, downtrodden people, how do you think you’re going to feel and act?

On the other hand, if you surround yourself with positive people (like other PoP members) you become exposed to positive values and ideals while reinforcing and strengthening your positive mental attitude. This is why it is so important to remain attentive of the people you surround yourself with and even more so the frequency and the length.

#9. Get some sort of exercise.

Exercise is magical. . . seriously. The benefits of a brisk walk, a jog, lifting weights, or any other kind of physical activity are astounding. The Mayo Clinic reports six major benefits to any kind of exercise. Exercising: controls weight, combats health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, promotes better sleep and enables a better sex life. Try to aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. You can even break the 30 minutes into 10 minute intervals if time is a stretch for you.

#10. Carry a personal, powerful memento with you.

This can be a quote, a picture of a hero, scripture…anything as long as it powerfully resonates with you. Visual reminders are important for our brains, as they reinforce the kind of person that we want to be. These mementos can change your brain and change your life. Put it in your purse, wallet, and pocket; or on your desk, dashboard and end table. Look at it numerous times throughout the day for inspiration.

#11. Take on a hobby or passion.

Remember to have fun and enjoy yourself – that’s the secret to a happy life and better you. Put work and obligations aside once in a while and do something that you love. Of course, if you love your work  and it doesn’t feel like work, then BINGO  you are definitely on the right path.

Add to the List:
What habit has helped you become a better, more positive YOU?